The Revolutionary War produced the first naval hero of the United States. He was John Paul Jones (1747-1792). Jones was born in Scotland but came to America on his first sea voyage. He was then 12 years old. Most of his life was spent at sea, much of it fighting. One of his famous sayings—"I do not wish to have command of any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way—helps explain his success as a fighter.
During the Revolutionary War he sailed the first American man-of-war. He carried to France the news of the surrender of the British army under Burgoyne at Saratoga. The French gave to his flag the first salute ever given to an American flag.
Jones fought his most famous sea battle on the ship "Bon Homme Richard." The battle with the British ship "Serapis" had gone on for hours. At one point the captain of the "Serapis" ordered Jones to surrender. "I have not yet begun to fight" was Jones's proud reply. This reply has been a battle cry of the American navy ever since.
