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America's Other John Paul Jones - John Barry, Naval Hero
Typical of Barry's indomitable spirit and ability to inspire his officers and men was a bloody, four-hour Atlantic action fought in May 1781, one that nearly ended in defeat and almost cost him his life. Barry's already damaged, undermanned frigate, the Alliance, was becalmed, a sitting duck for two smaller but more mobile British sloops of war. As they raked the stranded Alliance with continuous fire, Barry was struck in the shoulder by a heavy piece of iron grapeshot and had to be taken below for emergency surgery. He was still being bandaged when his rattled lieutenant came down, suggesting surrender. "No!" Barry roared. "If the ship can't be fought without me, I will be carried on deck." Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-06-05 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=298310 |