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DID YOU KNOW…that two Navy legends fought a duel with Marines?!

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AMERICAN HISTORY!

SOMETHING YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW!

DID YOU KNOW…that two Navy legends fought a duel with Marines?!

In 1818, two of the Navy’s most famous names, Oliver Hazard Perry and Stephen Decatur, were involved, one as a participant and the other as his second, in a duel that was the culmination of a two year long dispute about Navy discipline and the limits of a commander’s powers.

It was an era when dueling was all too common.

In the late summer of 1816, the USS Java, which Captain Perry commanded, was stopped at Messina, Sicily, when Captain Perry became displeased with what he considered the unsatisfactory appearance and attitude of the ship’s Marines.

Captain John Heath, the Marine commander, added to the problem by responding at least in Captain Perry’s opinion, with what Captain Perry later called, “marked insolence.”

The incident escalated to the point that the two men had words.

Captain Perry allegedly shouted that Captain Heath was a “damned rascal and scoundrel” and had “not acted as a gentleman.”

Captain Perry then summoned 2Lt. Parke G. Howle, the Marine detachment’s second in command, and relieved Captain Heath. In a rash and thoughtless act, Captain Perry, who was known for is short and violent temper, then slapped Captain Heath.

2Lt. Howle stepped between the men and no further blows were exchanged but the damage had been done.

According to a Midshipman Mackenzie, who was aboard the USS Java at the time, the following day was a gloomy one on board the USS Java.

The officers and crew had the most respect for their Commanding Officer, Captain Perry.

Captain Perry realized he had acted in anger, had a fellow officer write to Captain Heath saying that Captain Perry regretted what had happened and was in “readiness to make an honorable and personal apology.”

It was, however, not enough for Captain Heath or the other Marine officer on the USS Java, who thought Captain Perry’s actions had insulted the entire Marine Corps.

On 31 December 1816, a court-martial was convened to hear the charges that had been placed against Captain Heath, namely disrespectful and insolent conduct towards a superior officer, neglect of duty, and disobeying orders, which involved what Captain Perry considered an unacceptable delay in going after deserting Marines.

Captain Heath was found guilty of all but the last charge and was sentenced to receive a verbal reprimand from the Commodore of the squadron.

Captain Perry was also found by the court to have himself used “disrespectful language” toward a fellow officer and to have slapped him.

The incident became a major controversy in the Navy, that made the front page newspaper stories, and even ignited calls that were ignored for a Congressional investigation.

In the summer of 1817, Captain Heath, who had then been dismissed from the service, published a pamphlet about the incident in which he referred to Captain Perry, among other things, as “the slave of the most violent and vindictive passions” who could “descend to acts of revenge and cruelty.”

Captain Perry was also, Captain Heath wrote, filled with “the most consummate arrogance” and “a spirit of the rankest malevolence.”

A duel between the men became inevitable.

As preparations for the meeting began, Captain Perry, who had always opposed dueling, wrote to Commodore Decatur saying that he would meet Captain Heath and stand in the duel, but he would not fire.

He also asked Commodore Decatur to serve as his second, and Commodore Decatur traveled to New York to oblige.

The two men finally met near Hoboken, New Jersey in October 1818, more than two years after the original incident.

Captain Heath and Captain Perry stood back to back, marched five paces each, and wheeled. Captain Heath fired missing Captain Perry who, true to his word, handed his unfired pistol to Commodore Decatur.

Commodore Decatur then approached Captain Heath, told him that Captain Perry had all along intended not to fire and asked if Captain Heath’s honor was not satisfied. Captain Heath said it was.

It was over.

PITCH AND RUDDER SERVICES

Making custom quality challenge coins and Military belt buckles are one of our specialties. If you’re interested in getting a designing a custom buckle or Quality Challenge coin for your Division, Command, or Mess we’ve streamlined the process, click the get started link at the bottom of the page and someone from our design team will be with you within 48 hours to bring your vision to life.  When your working with us, we want to be as transparent as possible if you’re looking for shirts, you are going to be working with Chuck’s and his Team, If you’re working with metal you will be working with Grady’s Team.

HONORARY CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS!

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What is an Honorary Chief Petty Officer and who can become a Honorary Chief?!

By regulation, only the MCPON may authorize the recognition of an individual as an Honorary Chief Petty Officer.

An individual just can’t be recommended by anyone, well they could however, the recommendation has to be initiated by a Command Master Chief, Chief of the Boat, Command Senior Chief, or Senior Enlisted Advisor.

The recommendation needs to be backed by substantial factual data regarding the individual’s continuing involvement with the Navy’s Chief Petty Officer’s Mess, as well as justifying actions that exhibit the nominee’s advancement towards the professional objectives of the CPO Mess as well as demonstrating the principles consistent with the CPO Mess.

The recognition of Honorary Chief Petty Officer is intended to recognize a sustained contribution, not just a single act. The idea is that the individual has been and still is constantly contributing to the collective CPO community, enlisted force.and the Navy.

The title of Honorary Chief Petty Officer is in nature symbolic, there is no pay associated with it, nor is the individual eligible for any veteran’s benefits.

This recognition isn’t restricted to celebrities, nor prior enlisted Navy.

Department of Defense Civilians are eligible for this honor. Commissioned officers have been recognized as an honorary CPO. Even members of the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force may be recognized as an Honorary CPO.

Even children may be recognized as an Honorary CPO, in special cases, the youngest individual to be recognized was Diego Enrique Santiago, who received this honor at the age of 5 years old.

Diego was 5 year-old child who was at the time battling lung cancer, a battle that, sadly, he lost. But his wish was to be just like his dad, a Chief Petty Officer.

Politicians can also be honored as a Honorary Chief – Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus was recognized as an Honorary Chief in 2010.

Per the instruction, though, Honorary Chief is the highest grade that can be honored, no Honorary Senior Chief or Honorary Master Chief.

The idea being that’s appreciation from the Chief Mess as a whole, and not to divide the recipients based on current or prior rank.

However, we do have a few Honorary Master Chiefs….

ONE Honorary Master Chief is Robert Stetham who was made an Honorary Master Chief in 2010. I posted his story and his recognition on FB before. If anyone wants me to re-post that story, let me know.

The Office of the MCPON is tasked with creating and displaying a log list for all Honorary Chiefs, with information as their name, whether or not they had prior service in the military, and the date they were recognized.

However, at the moment, this log seems to be specifically hard copy in the MCPON’s office. There’s no public list that I could find.

Also the United States Coast Guard also has an Honorary Chief designation, with pretty much the same requirements. And, like the Office of the MCPON, the office of the Master Chief of the Coast Guard is also tasked with maintaining a log of individuals recognized.

PITCH AND RUDDER SERVICES

Making custom quality challenge coins and Military belt buckles are one of our specialties. If you’re interested in getting a designing a custom buckle or Quality Challenge coin for your Division, Command, or Mess we’ve streamlined the process, click the get started link at the bottom of the page and someone from our design team will be with you within 48 hours to bring your vision to life.  When your working with us, we want to be as transparent as possible if you’re looking for shirts, you are going to be working with Chuck’s and his Team, If you’re working with metal you will be working with Grady’s Team.

What does the 13 buttons on the Blue “Cracker Jack” pants mean?

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What does the 13 buttons on the Blue “Cracker Jack” pants mean?

If you said that they represent the original 13 colonies…you are wrong. 🙂

For decades, older Sailors told incoming Sailors that the 13 buttons on the front of the Cracker Jack bell bottoms represented the original 13 colonies. I was also told this by my first Chief on my first ship. đŸ™

The myth was so commonplace , it actually had to be excised from Navy history texts.

Real reason the pants had 13 buttons…….Sailors originally used a drawstring to hold up their pants, but replaced the drawstrings in 1864 when a new version of the bell bottoms was designed with seven buttons across the top holding the crotch flap.

With a nod toward comfort in more tropical climates, the Navy elongated the flap also called a broadfall in 1897, and two buttons were added to each side, now totaling 11.

But as Navy men grew broader, thanks to improvement in nutrition, the flap needed to grow longer.

So in 1905 more buttons were added, creating those 13 buttons.

Why buttons instead of zippers?

Because buttons are much easier to replace on the fly, and early zippers corroded in the salty weather.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A NAVY CHIEF?!

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Chief Anchor, Pitch and Rudder, Navy Chief

A Navy Chief is almost a Mythical being.

They can and have dressed down Admirals and new recruits with Equal ease.

They are not only experts at their rate, but also in management.

Junior Enlisted know that they can go to their Chief for Sage advice. Junior Officers often hide when in the presence of one of these beings. Senior Officers depend on the Chief’s Mess for order and discipline.

A Chief wears an Anchor as the Symbol of his or her rank. That Same anchor is the symbol of the Navy. It is fair to say that the spirit of the Navy, Its tradition, ceremony and its very honor are alive because its Chiefs keep it that way.

The Chief is the anchor of the Navy. Without the Chief’s a ship would be just a ship with no soul. Its crew would just be doing a Job with no life.

Words like shipmate would have no meaning. The Goat Locker gives the Ship and its crew its collective Spirit.

To become a Navy Chief is almost impossible. It must be a goal that an enlisted man/woman never loses sight of.

Senior Chief Anchor, SCPO Anchor, Pitch and rudder

On average it will take a Sailor 15 years to reach the rank of Chief Petty Officer. 17.5 Years to Reach Senior. Chief and 21 Years to earn the Rank of Master Chief.

Master Chief Anchor, MCPO anchor, Pitch and rudder

To even be considered, one must have shown their leadership abilities, time as a Leading Petty Officer at Sea, pass a very difficult test and go before a selection board.

Every Step of the way these Sailors are judged. If they are ever found wanting in any area, it’s the end of the Road.

The total number of Chiefs, Senior. Chiefs and Master Chiefs on active duty at any given time is about 10% of the total Number of enlisted.

Chiefs make up about 7%, Senior. Chiefs about 3%, and Master Chiefs are less than one percent.

PITCH AND RUDDER SERVICES

Making custom quality challenge coins and Military belt buckles are one of our specialties. If you’re interested in getting a designing a custom buckle or Quality Challenge coin for your Division, Command, or Mess we’ve streamlined the process, click the get started link at the bottom of the page and someone from our design team will be with you within 48 hours to bring your vision to life.  When your working with us, we want to be as transparent as possible if you’re looking for shirts, you are going to be working with Chuck’s and his Team, If you’re working with metal you will be working with Grady’s Team.

THE “JUNGLE” A GUIDE TO U.S. NAVY RANKS:

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Gazelles = Ensigns

1. Although easily frightened, they have been known to stupidly lounge in plain sight of the “lions”.
2. Runs at high speeds, with no purpose or direction.
3. The slow and weak are frequently slain.

Cheetahs = LTjg’s

1. Loner, feisty.
2. Makes the occasional kill on a weaker animal.

Lions = Lieutenants

1. Hunts in packs.
2. Can bring down a larger animal with coordination.
3. Easily slays the “cheetah”.

Water Buffalo = Lieutenant Commanders

1. Aging, slower beast, but-
2. Cannot be brought down by a single “Lion”.

Hippopotamus = Commanders

1. Slow and cumbersome on land.
2. Safe in own environment.
3. Lays low to avoid enemies.

Elephants = Captains

1. Rules the “Jungle”.
2. Impossible to bring down except by his peers.

Hyena = The Chiefs

1. Laughs continuously at the “Cheetahs” and “Gazelles”.
2. Helps the “Lions” complete the kill on larger animals but is known to alter its natural instincts and assist “Elephants”, “Hippopotamuses”, “Water Buffaloes” and “Sloths”.

Sloth = Chief Warrant Officers

1. Skilled in one area only.
2. Comes around only to feed and take care of bodily functions.

Dung Beetle = Sailor

1. Forced to deal with the “crap” created by the other animals.

Great White Sharks = Senior Chiefs

1. King of the ocean.
2. Very tough skin and sharp teeth.
3. The other creatures get eaten alive if they step into their world.

Whale Sharks = Master Chiefs

1. Oldest Creature in the ocean
2. Moves slowly to conserve energy