The Right Stuff: What Makes A Navy Legend – Actions or Attributes?
If you ask any Sailor to name a favorite Navy legend, you'll likely get as many names to field an entire squadron of naval heroes – including a few ships.
So we're asking you – the Sailor, veteran and reader – to offer up one of your own favorite legends, with a reason or two as to what makes a naval legend. Is it action or attributes?
Navy Legend – John Paul Jones
But to kick off this series on Navy Legends, we'll begin with John Paul Jones, since 223 years ago his life ended, but not his legacy. And while there are those who might fault some of his attributes, no one can quibble about his actions for the Continental Navy.
The Early Years
Back in 1747, July was a far kinder month for the infant John Paul. He was born July 6 in Kirkcudbright, Scotland. At the age of 12, he entered the British merchant marine as a cabin boy.
The teenage Jones grew disgusted with the slave trade after three years working on a slaver, deciding instead to work on a merchant vessel.
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