Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero Book Review

Decatur's death was unpleasant and unfortunate. Allegedly over a matter of honor, it actually was not. There was no specific issue of right and wrong, but there was the perceived issue of status and career. There is no doubt that Decatur could have done more had death not silenced him. This is often the case with great men who do great things against the will of others.

This book is fascinating and interesting, and Allison (2005) makes a strong argument and presents a clear thesis. The evidence that he has for who Stephen Decatur was and what he contributed to the country and the Navy is a great tribute to a man who most people have either forgotten or had not even heard about. I agree with the authors conclusions in that Decatur did appear to be a great man. Whether he was killed as a matter of honor as some say or to get him out of the way as others believe is something that I am not sure of, although it certainly seems as though Decatur had done nothing to deserve the death he received at the hands of someone who he should have been able to trust - someone who should have been working for the same goals and ideals that Decatur was. Many great men in history have suffered this same fate because too many people do not believe that change should take place. They say they want it, but they make false statements and promises, and then they silence the Stephen Decaturs of the world.

Bibliography

Allison,…