# 20086 - 1986 William Bainbridge Comm Cvr
Death Of Stephen Decatur
Stephen Decatur, Jr., was born on January 5, 1779, in Sinepuxent, Maryland. His family had fled their home in Philadelphia months before he was born because of the British occupation, but were able to return shortly after. When he developed a severe case of whooping cough, Decatur was sent on a merchant voyage to Europe with his father, as the salty sea air was considered the cure. He returned home not only completely cured of the cough, but also determined to become a sailor.
Decatur served on the United States and the Norfolk during the Quasi War with France. He participated in several missions patrolling the South Atlantic coast to protect American merchant ships.
In 1801, America entered a new conflict – the First Barbary War – against pirates from the Barbary States that had been attacking American ships in the Mediterranean. Decatur served on commanded several ships during this conflict, fighting against and capturing a number of enemy vessels. It was also during this war that Decatur orchestrated the burning of the Philadelphia, to prevent its use by enemy forces. He went on to aid in the attack on Tripoli, capturing three enemy boats and sinking three others. Decatur also took part in hand-to-hand fighting aboard an enemy ship.
During the War of 1812, Decatur captured the British vessel HMS Macedonian. Then in January 1815, he led a daring attempt at breaking through the British blockade. While he initially managed to break through, the ensuing British attack inflicted dozens of casualties, including Decatur, forcing him to surrender. When he boarded the British ship to surrender, Decatur handed the captain his sword, but it was immediately returned as the captain claimed he was “proud in returning the sword of an officer who had defended his ship so nobly.” Decatur was then taken prisoner for a few weeks until they received word that the war had ended. After returning home he received a Congressional Gold Medal.
Death Of Stephen Decatur
Stephen Decatur, Jr., was born on January 5, 1779, in Sinepuxent, Maryland. His family had fled their home in Philadelphia months before he was born because of the British occupation, but were able to return shortly after. When he developed a severe case of whooping cough, Decatur was sent on a merchant voyage to Europe with his father, as the salty sea air was considered the cure. He returned home not only completely cured of the cough, but also determined to become a sailor.
Decatur served on the United States and the Norfolk during the Quasi War with France. He participated in several missions patrolling the South Atlantic coast to protect American merchant ships.
In 1801, America entered a new conflict – the First Barbary War – against pirates from the Barbary States that had been attacking American ships in the Mediterranean. Decatur served on commanded several ships during this conflict, fighting against and capturing a number of enemy vessels. It was also during this war that Decatur orchestrated the burning of the Philadelphia, to prevent its use by enemy forces. He went on to aid in the attack on Tripoli, capturing three enemy boats and sinking three others. Decatur also took part in hand-to-hand fighting aboard an enemy ship.
During the War of 1812, Decatur captured the British vessel HMS Macedonian. Then in January 1815, he led a daring attempt at breaking through the British blockade. While he initially managed to break through, the ensuing British attack inflicted dozens of casualties, including Decatur, forcing him to surrender. When he boarded the British ship to surrender, Decatur handed the captain his sword, but it was immediately returned as the captain claimed he was “proud in returning the sword of an officer who had defended his ship so nobly.” Decatur was then taken prisoner for a few weeks until they received word that the war had ended. After returning home he received a Congressional Gold Medal.