36. Edward Preble
Although John Paul Jones and John Barry are both called the Father of the American Navy, Edward Preble – all but forgotten – owns at least a share of that title. As a Commodore of the early Navy during the Barbary Wars, it was Preble who trained the young officers who became known as Preble’s boys. It was these young men who later won the stirring victories during the War of 1812 which boosted American morale and secured the Great Lakes. Every commander of an American naval victory by its frigates and on the lakes had served under Preble when learning his craft, making Preble one of the most influential leaders in the history of the United States Navy.
