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John Paul Jones
1747-1792
Remembered as the first great American naval hero, Jones was actually born in Scotland. He went to sea at 13 and by 21 was master of a merchant vessel. He immigrated to Virginia in the early 1770s and, with the onset of the rebellion against England, sought a commission in the Continental Navy.
Jones served in flagship Alfred, and then received command of other naval vessels. His many career highlights included capturing two British ships in English waters and receiving the first salute to the Stars and Strips from a foreign power.
Following independence, Jones served with the Russian navy and was appointed to represent the United States in negotiations with the Dey of Algiers. Before he could take up the appointment, he died in Paris. |