Admiral Jeremy Michael Boorda Military history of Jewish Americans

boorda s headstone @ arlington national cemetery located @ section 64, lot 7101, grid mm-17.

jeremy michael boorda (1939–1996) admiral of united states navy , 25th chief of naval operations (cno). boorda cno have risen position enlisted ranks. born on november 26, 1939, in south bend, indiana, jewish family. grew in chicago, illinois. dropped out of high school when seventeen years old , joined navy. beginning of naval career of 40 years. boorda kept jewish roots private: although boorda not practicing jew , in fact raised children protestants, born 2 jewish parents , had bar mitzvah. did not in way emphasize jewish roots or jewishness, said rabbi aaron landes, retired u.s. navy rear admiral...virtually no 1 knew boorda, became first enlisted man rise navy s highest post of chief of naval operations, born jew...among boorda s ancestors cantor , chasidic family, landes said.

boorda believed people should have opportunity excel, , can be, if don t perfect or traditional start. committed suicide @ age of 57 in 1996. disturbed pending questions vietnam war combat ribbons wore; had not had service there , not entitled wear them. researchers have noted important reason no 1 paid attention boorda s jewish background that...being jewish no longer issue in military.