Chester W. Nimitz

Chester William Nimitz was a highly esteemed Admiral in the U.S. Navy, whose crucial leadership played a major role in the defeat of Japan as a WW II Commander in Chief of the US Pacific Fleet. Despite his initial rejection for admission to West Point, he persevered and was accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. Throughout his life he faced various setbacks during his command, including having ran the destroyer Decatur aground due his failure to validate harbor tide tables. Although Nimitz was later court-martialed for dereliction of duty under military law, he only received a letter of reprimand. As an Admiral, Nimitz being familiar with difficult naval battles, realized the importance of seeking assistance and hope as noted in one of his prayers: "God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless." Do you sometimes feel hopeless in doing the right thing?