Perseverance is a strength within the virtue category of courage. Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The story of the USS Quail is a story of perseverance and grit. The crew evaded capture by the Japanese during World War II. What extent did formal training play in the Quail crew’s successful escape? How could the CO, Lieutenant Commander Morrill, serve as an example to leaders today? What lessons does the saga of USS Quail have for today’s Navy?

Howard R. Simkin has more than 40 years of combined military, law enforcement, defense contractor, and government experience. He is a retired Special Forces officer and holds a Master of Administrative Science from the Johns Hopkins University. His book, Home Run, tells several stories of Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.