February 24, 2025

Fighting Irish at Sea: The Legendary Irish Heroes of the U.S. Navy

Ireland and the U.S. Navy share a bond forged in grit, determination, and a steadfast commitment to service. From the earliest days of American independence to modern battlefields, Irish-Americans have stood at the helm, steering the course of naval history. Their courage is not just a footnote in history books—it’s a defining characteristic that has helped shape the very foundation of the U.S. Navy.

Among these legendary figures, four stand out as symbols of Irish resilience and bravery: John Barry, John F. Kennedy, John King, and Patrick Gallagher. Each of them, in their own time and way, embodied the fighting spirit of the Irish and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire sailors and Marines today.

The Father of the American Navy: John Barry

Born in Wexford, Ireland, in 1745, John Barry was destined for the sea. As a young boy, he absorbed the rhythms of maritime life, learning the ways of the ocean long before he set foot on American soil. By the time he arrived in the American colonies, Barry had already established himself as a skilled sailor and leader.

When the Revolutionary War erupted, Barry quickly aligned himself with the American cause. He was commissioned as a captain in the Continental Navy in 1775, making him one of the first official naval officers in U.S. history. His Irish tenacity and tactical brilliance made him a force to be reckoned with, earning him a reputation as one of the most fearless commanders of the war.

Revolutionary War Hero

Barry’s naval career during the Revolutionary War was nothing short of extraordinary. He led the USS Lexington to one of the first naval victories of the war, capturing the British sloop HMS Edward in 1776. But his greatest triumphs came later, when he commanded the USS Alliance. In the final months of the war, Barry engaged in some of the last naval battles, refusing to surrender even when severely wounded.

His ability to outmaneuver the British, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the fight for American independence, solidified his place as a true naval legend.

Shaping the Future of the U.S. Navy

After the war, Barry continued to shape the fledgling U.S. Navy. President George Washington personally selected him as the first commissioned officer of the newly established United States Navy, giving him the title "Father of the American Navy." He mentored future naval heroes, instilling in them the discipline and strategic thinking that would define American naval warfare for generations.

Honoring His Memory

Barry’s legacy endures, with statues and ships bearing his name. Every year, Irish-American communities and naval historians celebrate his contributions, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with American naval excellence.

John F. Kennedy: The Irish-American President Who Became a Naval Hero

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was born into an Irish-American dynasty. His ancestors hailed from County Wexford—ironically, the same birthplace as John Barry. The Kennedys carried their Irish heritage with pride, and JFK often spoke of his connection to the Emerald Isle.

The PT-109 Incident

Before he was a president, JFK was a naval officer. During World War II, he commanded PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat in the Pacific. In 1943, a Japanese destroyer rammed the vessel, splitting it in half and leaving Kennedy and his crew stranded in shark-infested waters.

Despite suffering from a debilitating back injury, Kennedy swam miles towing an injured crew member, leading his men to safety. His sheer determination and leadership under pressure earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.

How Kennedy’s Naval Experience Shaped His Presidency

JFK’s time in the Navy molded his leadership style. He understood sacrifice, duty, and the burden of command—qualities that defined his presidency during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War tensions. His ability to remain calm in crisis, a trait honed on the battlefield, would prove invaluable in the Oval Office.

JFK’s Lasting Influence on the U.S. Navy

Even as president, Kennedy never forgot his naval roots. He expanded naval capabilities, emphasized maritime strength, and frequently visited naval bases, reinforcing the importance of sea power in American defense strategy.

John King: 2 Time Medal of Honor Recipient

Born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1865, John King was a man of quiet strength. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a boiler technician—a dangerous and often overlooked position aboard warships.

The Explosions That Tested His Courage

In 1901, while serving on the USS Vicksburg, a boiler explosion threatened to engulf the ship in flames. Without hesitation, King rushed into the inferno, saving his fellow sailors and preventing a catastrophe.

A decade later, on the USS Salem, history repeated itself. Another boiler explosion rocked the vessel, and once again, King risked his life to contain the damage and rescue his crew.

Earning the Medal of Honor – Twice!

For his extraordinary heroism, King was awarded the Medal of Honor—twice. To this day, he remains one of the only enlisted sailors in U.S. Navy history to receive the nation’s highest military decoration twice.

The USS John King and His Place in Naval History

The USS John King, a guided-missile destroyer, was named in his honor, ensuring his name would forever be associated with bravery and sacrifice.

Patrick Gallagher: The Irish Marine Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

Born in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Patrick Gallagher immigrated to America as a young man. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, eager to serve his adopted country.

A Warrior in Vietnam: How Gallagher Earned His First Medal

While deployed in Vietnam, Gallagher displayed immense bravery, earning the Navy Cross for repelling an enemy assault and saving fellow Marines.

The Grenade Incident: A Selfless Act That Saved His Fellow Marines

In 1966, Gallagher’s unit came under attack. When an enemy grenade landed among his fellow Marines, he acted without hesitation—diving onto the explosive. Miraculously, he was able to throw it away before it detonated, saving the lives of those around him. Tragically, he was later killed in action, leaving behind a legacy of selfless courage.

His Place Among the Greatest Irish-American Heroes

Gallagher was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, and his name remains revered among both Irish and American military communities.

The indomitable spirit of the Irish has long fueled the U.S. Navy, from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. These four men—John Barry, John F. Kennedy, John King, and Patrick Gallagher—embodied the very essence of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice. Their legacies endure, reminding us that the fighting Irish will always have a place at sea, standing watch over freedom.