CHESTER W. NIMITZ

The mention of Admiral Nimitz brings back a recollection of a conversation we had many years later at the Officers' Club on Treasure Island.

He had then retired from the U.S. Navy as CINCPAC (Commander in Chief Pacific), the highest attainable rank. He'd settled down in Berkeley and was appointed a Regent of the University of California.

"I wish they'd take my name off of that goddamned road," he said with emphasis. "It's a killer, and I don't want to be associated with it."

The Admiral was referring to a freeway named in his honor running from Oakland south through San Leandro, Hayward and beyond.