Thomas Truxtun (February 17, 1755 – May 5, 1822) was an American naval officer who rose to the rank of commodore. Born near Hempstead, New York on Long Island, Truxtun had little formal education before joining the crew of the British merchant ship Pitt at the age of twelve. By the time he was twenty, however, his talents had garnered him the command of his own vessel, the Andrew Caldwell. He operated as a privateer during the American Revolutionary War, commanding several ships: Congress, Independence, Mars and St. James. Truxtun was highly successful in capturing enemy ships during this period, not once suffering a defeat. He was buried at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Truxtun's Grave

Thomas Truxtun (February 17, 1755 – May 5, 1822) was an American naval officer who rose to the rank…