Nimitz entered the Naval Academy without first graduating from high school, but was an excellent student and graduated 7th in a class of 114 in 1905.<ref>{{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> As Ensign, Nimitz ran the USS Decatur aground and was courtmartialed. <ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> Although this was often a career ending event, <ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> he received a letter of reprimand, persevered, and overcame this stumbling block.<ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> | Nimitz entered the Naval Academy without first graduating from high school, but was an excellent student and graduated 7th in a class of 114 in 1905.<ref>{{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> As Ensign, Nimitz ran the USS Decatur aground and was courtmartialed. <ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> Although this was often a career ending event, <ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> he received a letter of reprimand, persevered, and overcame this stumbling block.<ref>{{hnb|History Channel|1996}}, {{hnb|Navy Historical Center|2003}}</ref> |