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"For some time, Admiral Nimitz had been urging political leaders to confer the five-star rank of a Fleet Admiral upon Spruance, pointing out that his war service had been comparable to that of Halsey, and that the only authorized vacancy in the five-star rank had been given to Halsey rather than to Spruance because Halsey had seniority. Congressional leader, though acknowledging the merit of Admiral Nimitz's recommendation , were reluctant to set a precedent of increasing the number of Fleet Admirals, but four days before Spruance's retirement, Congress authorized the President to appoint one officer to the permanent grade of Admiral, would receive the full active duty pay a allowances of that grade for life. Although the act did not specify Spruance by name, it imposed certain conditions of service and status which could only be met by Raymond Spruance, who was so appointed."

Forrestel, E. P. (1966). "Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, USN A Study in Command." Washington: GPO

jemb wrote:

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Congress had specified 4 5-star posts each for the Army and Navy. It was unfair, as - IIRC - Bradley was given the 4th 5-star billet made available when Hap Arnold died in 1950, and Spruance outlived all 4 Fleet Admirals.

Bradley was still on active duty. That's the difference - Spruance had already retired.