Thomas L. Sprague

Thomas Lamison Sprague (October 2, 1894 – September 17, 1972) was a vice admiral of the United States Navy, who served during World War II as commander of the aircraft carrier and took part in the battles of Guam, Leyte Gulf and Okinawa.

Naval Academy and World War I Born in Lima, Ohio, Sprague graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1917 (although no relation to Admiral Clifton "Ziggy" Sprague, the two both attended the Naval Academy, later graduating from the same class). He served aboard the protected cruiser assigned to the trans-Atlantic convoy from June 1917 until April 1918 and, after serving on shore duty for a brief period, Sprague assisted in the official commission of the destroyer in July. As a member of the ship's anti-submarine patrol, Sprague would eventually come to command Montgomery from January to November 1920.

Inter-war years After participating in naval flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sprague served as a staff officer under Pacific Air commander Admiral H.V. Butler from 1921 to 1923. In 1926, Sprague was transferred to the battleship serving with Observation Squadron 1 for two years before being stationed at the Naval Air Station San Diego in 1928. He briefly returned to active duty to negotiate with the Philippine government over the status of U.S. air bases in 1956.

Sprague died at Chula Vista, California on September 17, 1972.