John Stuart Blue was born in New York City on 29 August 1902, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1925. During 1933 he commanded the Presidential yacht Sequoia (AG-23) and served as Aide to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Between August 1940 and January 1942 he commanded the destroyer Palmer (DD-161) and then reported to the light cruiser Juneau (CL-52) as navigator. Lieutenant Commander Blue was killed in action 13 November 1942 when Juneau sank during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.