The Navy has long viewed itself as the brains behind the sea services, but karma struck on Monday when a naval officer missed a question on "Jeopardy!" that not even the most inebriated seaman should get wrong.
The clue was, "Members of this service founded Oct. 13, 1775 really have the blues."
Lt. Cmdr. Eli Rosenberger, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 137 at Whidbey Island in Washington, was quick on the buzzer. As he proudly wore his dress blues, he answered, "What is the Marine Corps?"
Within seconds, the enormity of the moment struck. Rosenberger's head dropped. Another contestant incorrectly guessed, "What is the Coast Guard?" And finally, the third contestant correctly answered, "What's the Navy?"
Pouring sea salt into the open wound, host Alex Trebek said, "Eli is not happy right now."
Rosenberger maintained his composure as he shook his head and replied, "No, I'm not."
Meanwhile, in the briny depths of the afterlife, Chesty Puller turned to John Paul Jones and said, "Pay up!"
