Stephen Decatur

Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. (January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was an American naval officer notable for his heroism in actions at Tripoli, Libya and in the War of 1812.

Military career

He was active during the undeclared war with France over the next two years. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1799. Given command of the brig Argus in 1803, he took it to the Mediterranean for war service against Tripoli. Once in the combat zone, Lieutenant Decatur commanded the schooner Enterprise and, on 23 December 1803, captured the enemy ketch Mastico. That vessel, taken into the U.S. Navy under the name Intrepid, was used by Decatur on 16 February 1804 to execute a night raid into Tripoli harbor to destroy the former U.S. frigate Philadelphia, which had been captured after running aground at the end of October 1803. Admiral Lord Nelson is said to have called this "the most bold and daring act of the age."

Related Topics:
Undeclared war - France - Lieutenant - 1799 - Brig - ''Argus'' - 1803 - Mediterranean - War - Tripoli - Schooner - ''Enterprise'' - 23 December - Ketch - ''Intrepid'' - 16 February - 1804 - ''Philadelphia'' - Admiral Lord Nelson

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This daring and extremely successful operation made Lieutenant Decatur an immediate national hero, a status that was enhanced by his courageous conduct during the 3 August 1804 bombardment of Tripoli. In that action, he led his men in hand-to-hand fighting while boarding and capturing an enemy gunboat. Decatur was subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain, and over the next eight years had command of several frigates.

Related Topics:
3 August - Captain - Frigate

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On October 25, 1812, now commanding United States, he captured HMS Macedonian. In 1814 he flew a pennant as Commodore commanding USS President and three smaller vessels in the West Indies. The day after setting sail from New York, he encountered the British West Indies Squadron January 15, 1815, and was forced to surrender the frigate President after a fierce fight.

Related Topics:
October 25 - 1812 - ''United States'' - HMS ''Macedonian'' - 1814 - Commodore - USS ''President'' - West Indies - January 15 - 1815

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In May 1815, Commodore Decatur sailed his squadron to the Mediterranean Sea to conduct the Second Barbary War, which put an end to the American practice of paying tribute to pirate states.

Related Topics:
1815 - Second Barbary War

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Between 1816 and 1820, Decatur served as a Navy Commissioner.

Related Topics:
1816 - 1820 - Navy Commissioner

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Five U.S. Navy ships have been named USS Decatur in his honor, along with numerous locations. A high school in Berlin, Maryland also bears his name.

Related Topics:
USS ''Decatur'' - Locations - Berlin, Maryland

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