David Farragut was a decorated sailor and Naval Officer. He started his career in the US Navy at the ripe age of 9. Fostered by Admiral David Porter after his mother passed away, Farragut served under his adopted father in the War of 1812. He received his first command at the age of 23 leading anti-piracy operations in the Caribbean. Though Farragut was raised in Norfolk, VA south of the Mason-Dixon, he was vehemently opposed to the succession of the South and remained with the Union, where his Naval prowess led him being one of the most successful commanders during the war.

On August 5th, 1864, Farragut commanded a fleet of Union ships on a siege of Mobile Bay, Alabama. After his lead ship the Tecumseh was destroyed by a mine, Farragut yelled to his commanders, “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Farragut lurched his ship the Hartford through the rows of mines forcing the rest of his fleet to follow. The ships bombarded the forts on the bay, who surrendered one by one.  Upon completion of the Civil War, Farragut was promoted to Admiral; he remained on active duty until his death in 1870.

Farragut's sheer bravery and will led to a significant victory for the north. Farragut would not let some silly sea mines stand in his way, and courageously sailed into dangerous waters to accomplish his mission. Every morning, we should all say to ourselves, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".