12
12
0
Stephen Decatur Jr. (January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was a United States naval officer and commodore. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County, the son of a U.S. naval officer who served during the American Revolution. His father, Stephen Decatur Sr., was a commodore in the U.S. Navy, and brought the younger Stephen into the world of ships and sailing early on. Shortly after attending college, Decatur followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of nineteen as a midshipman.[1][2]
Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. Promoted at age 25, he is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy.[3] He served under three presidents, and played a major role in the early development of the American navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command.[4] His numerous naval victories against Britain, France and the Barbary states established the United States Navy as a rising power.
During this period he served aboard and commanded many naval vessels and ultimately became a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners. He built a large home in Washington, known as Decatur House, on Lafayette Square, and was the center of Washington society in the early 19th century.[5] He became an affluent member of Washington society and counted James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries among his personal friends.[6]
Decatur's career came to an early end when he was killed in a duel with a rival officer.[7][8] Decatur emerged as a national hero in his own lifetime, becoming the first post-Revolutionary War hero. His name and legacy, like that of John Paul Jones, became identified with the United States Navy.[9][10]
Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. Promoted at age 25, he is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy.[3] He served under three presidents, and played a major role in the early development of the American navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command.[4] His numerous naval victories against Britain, France and the Barbary states established the United States Navy as a rising power.
During this period he served aboard and commanded many naval vessels and ultimately became a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners. He built a large home in Washington, known as Decatur House, on Lafayette Square, and was the center of Washington society in the early 19th century.[5] He became an affluent member of Washington society and counted James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries among his personal friends.[6]
Decatur's career came to an early end when he was killed in a duel with a rival officer.[7][8] Decatur emerged as a national hero in his own lifetime, becoming the first post-Revolutionary War hero. His name and legacy, like that of John Paul Jones, became identified with the United States Navy.[9][10]
Stephen Decatur - Wikipedia
Posted from en.wikipedia.org
Birthday
American History
Naval/Maritime History
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 5
7
7
0
Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero
Historian Robert Allison tells the story of Stephen Decatur's eventful life at a time when the young republic was developing its own identity. Born to a prom...
Thanks, my friend Maj Marty Hogan for letting us know that January 7 is the anniversary of the birth of United States naval officer and commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. He supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. He is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy
Rest in peace Stephen Decatur, Jr.
Historian Robert Allison tells the story of Stephen Decatur's eventful life at a time when the young republic was developing its own identity. Born to a prominent Philadelphia family in 1779, Decatur became the youngest man ever to serve as a captain in the US Navy at age 25.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf-2bDvg4gI&list=PLqkjA6zY_GqA_e5l9hS4pf5vG0mFqNjGm&index=30
Images:
1. This lithograph depicts the fight between the USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur, and the HMS Macedonian near Madeira on October 25, 1812.
2. Decatur House, c. 1822, two years after Commodore Decatur's death
3. Stephen Decatur Jr. (1779-1820) by John Vanderlyn, Oil on canvas, c. 1815. This portrait shows Decatur in his Naval uniform.
Background from: whitehousehistory.org/commodore-stephen-decatur-an-early-american-naval-war-hero
"In President Theodore Roosevelt’s description of the capture of the HMS Macedonian by the USS United States in his 1882 book The Naval War of 1812, the future president wrote, “Commodore Decatur handled his ship with absolute faultlessness,” and explained how through Decatur’s bravery and fortitude, a “skillful crew, ably commanded,” was able to defeat their British foes. In this and other engagements during the First and Second Barbary Wars, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812, Commodore Stephen Decatur fought with daring and courage, capturing the imagination of the American public and becoming a national hero.
Born in Maryland on January 5, 1779, Decatur was raised in Philadelphia, his family being prominent members of that city. His father Stephen Decatur, Sr. served as a privateer in the American navy during the American Revolution. In 1798, President John Adams appointed Stephen Decatur, Jr. a midshipman in the U.S. Navy, and Decatur initially served on the frigate USS United States under Commodore John Barry.
The Macedonian became the first British warship to ever suffer the humiliation of being brought into an American harbor following defeat at sea.
Decatur rose to prominence during the First Barbary War against North African pirates preying on U.S. ships. In 1804 he spearheaded a mission to recapture, and if necessary destroy, the USS Philadelphia, a frigate taken by the pirates in Tripoli harbor.
On the night of February 16, Decatur led a small assault force disguised as Maltese sailors from the ketch Intrepid and moored next to the Philadelphia. Decatur gave the command and 60 American sailors, mostly hidden below deck, boarded the Philadelphia and overpowered the pirates. Finding the Philadelphia unseaworthy, Decatur ordered her burned and his men made their escape from Tripoli harbor from the Intrepid. Tradition has it that Britain’s renowned admiral Horatio Nelson described the recapture and burning of the Philadelphia as “the most bold and daring act of its age.” This audacious and successful operation led to Decatur’s promotion to Captain at age 25, the youngest person to attain that rank in the history of the U.S. Navy.
During the War of 1812, Britain's navy began the conflict with a numerical advantage over the United States in terms of both ships and sailors. Despite its shortcomings, the American Navy used resourcefulness and innovation to deliver victories against the British. Decatur burnished his fame on October 25, 1812, when his frigate the USS United States captured the frigate HMS Macedonian.
This wine cooler was presented to Commodore Decatur by the City of Philadelphia on February 11, 1818. The complete service, of which this forms a part, was made by Whartenby & Bumm silversmiths of Philadelphia.
A closer view of the wine cooler features the inscription which reads, "By citizens of Philadelphia to their townsman, Commodore Decatur. Esteemed for his virtue, honored for his valor."
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION AND DECATUR HOUSE, A NATIONAL TRUST SITE
Show Me More
After the end of the War of 1812, the United States decided to eliminate the North African Barbary States’ continuing menace to American commerce in what is called the Second Barbary War. Decatur sailed his squadron to the Mediterranean in May 1815 and, in an early example of “gunboat diplomacy,” persuaded Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli to sign treaties of peace. After returning to the United States in November 1815, Decatur was named to the Board of Naval Commissioners, headquartered in Washington.
Decatur invested his share of reward money from the HMS Macedonian in real estate near the White House. Decatur and his wife Susan commissioned Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America’s first professional architect and engineer, to design a home “fit for entertaining.” In 1818 they erected a square three-story red brick Federal-style town house on the northwest corner of today's Lafayette Square. There they lived affluently, hosting numerous parties attracting a wide array of Washington dignitaries.
Commodore Decatur occupied the house for barely over one year. He was mortally wounded in a duel, after a long simmering personal and professional dispute with Commodore James Barron, on March 22, 1820, in Bladensburg, Maryland. After the duel, Decatur was brought to his home, succumbing to his wounds later that night. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, he was mourned throughout the city and the country.
One of the nation’s first heroes of the post-Revolutionary generation, Decatur’s influence on the early development of the U.S. Navy is still honored today through numerous tributes including town and school names across the country, as well as having five U.S. Navy ships named after him. His elegant townhouse, built in such close proximity to the White House, symbolized Decatur’s vision of not only his own social and professional advancement, but a vision of the city’s future prosperity as the capital of a growing nation."
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen PO1 H Gene Lawrence PO2 Kevin Parker CPT Scott Sharon SSG William Jones SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" PriceSFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning LTC Jeff Shearer CWO3 Dennis M. PO3 Bob McCord SGT (Join to see)
Rest in peace Stephen Decatur, Jr.
Historian Robert Allison tells the story of Stephen Decatur's eventful life at a time when the young republic was developing its own identity. Born to a prominent Philadelphia family in 1779, Decatur became the youngest man ever to serve as a captain in the US Navy at age 25.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf-2bDvg4gI&list=PLqkjA6zY_GqA_e5l9hS4pf5vG0mFqNjGm&index=30
Images:
1. This lithograph depicts the fight between the USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur, and the HMS Macedonian near Madeira on October 25, 1812.
2. Decatur House, c. 1822, two years after Commodore Decatur's death
3. Stephen Decatur Jr. (1779-1820) by John Vanderlyn, Oil on canvas, c. 1815. This portrait shows Decatur in his Naval uniform.
Background from: whitehousehistory.org/commodore-stephen-decatur-an-early-american-naval-war-hero
"In President Theodore Roosevelt’s description of the capture of the HMS Macedonian by the USS United States in his 1882 book The Naval War of 1812, the future president wrote, “Commodore Decatur handled his ship with absolute faultlessness,” and explained how through Decatur’s bravery and fortitude, a “skillful crew, ably commanded,” was able to defeat their British foes. In this and other engagements during the First and Second Barbary Wars, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812, Commodore Stephen Decatur fought with daring and courage, capturing the imagination of the American public and becoming a national hero.
Born in Maryland on January 5, 1779, Decatur was raised in Philadelphia, his family being prominent members of that city. His father Stephen Decatur, Sr. served as a privateer in the American navy during the American Revolution. In 1798, President John Adams appointed Stephen Decatur, Jr. a midshipman in the U.S. Navy, and Decatur initially served on the frigate USS United States under Commodore John Barry.
The Macedonian became the first British warship to ever suffer the humiliation of being brought into an American harbor following defeat at sea.
Decatur rose to prominence during the First Barbary War against North African pirates preying on U.S. ships. In 1804 he spearheaded a mission to recapture, and if necessary destroy, the USS Philadelphia, a frigate taken by the pirates in Tripoli harbor.
On the night of February 16, Decatur led a small assault force disguised as Maltese sailors from the ketch Intrepid and moored next to the Philadelphia. Decatur gave the command and 60 American sailors, mostly hidden below deck, boarded the Philadelphia and overpowered the pirates. Finding the Philadelphia unseaworthy, Decatur ordered her burned and his men made their escape from Tripoli harbor from the Intrepid. Tradition has it that Britain’s renowned admiral Horatio Nelson described the recapture and burning of the Philadelphia as “the most bold and daring act of its age.” This audacious and successful operation led to Decatur’s promotion to Captain at age 25, the youngest person to attain that rank in the history of the U.S. Navy.
During the War of 1812, Britain's navy began the conflict with a numerical advantage over the United States in terms of both ships and sailors. Despite its shortcomings, the American Navy used resourcefulness and innovation to deliver victories against the British. Decatur burnished his fame on October 25, 1812, when his frigate the USS United States captured the frigate HMS Macedonian.
This wine cooler was presented to Commodore Decatur by the City of Philadelphia on February 11, 1818. The complete service, of which this forms a part, was made by Whartenby & Bumm silversmiths of Philadelphia.
A closer view of the wine cooler features the inscription which reads, "By citizens of Philadelphia to their townsman, Commodore Decatur. Esteemed for his virtue, honored for his valor."
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION AND DECATUR HOUSE, A NATIONAL TRUST SITE
Show Me More
After the end of the War of 1812, the United States decided to eliminate the North African Barbary States’ continuing menace to American commerce in what is called the Second Barbary War. Decatur sailed his squadron to the Mediterranean in May 1815 and, in an early example of “gunboat diplomacy,” persuaded Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli to sign treaties of peace. After returning to the United States in November 1815, Decatur was named to the Board of Naval Commissioners, headquartered in Washington.
Decatur invested his share of reward money from the HMS Macedonian in real estate near the White House. Decatur and his wife Susan commissioned Benjamin Henry Latrobe, America’s first professional architect and engineer, to design a home “fit for entertaining.” In 1818 they erected a square three-story red brick Federal-style town house on the northwest corner of today's Lafayette Square. There they lived affluently, hosting numerous parties attracting a wide array of Washington dignitaries.
Commodore Decatur occupied the house for barely over one year. He was mortally wounded in a duel, after a long simmering personal and professional dispute with Commodore James Barron, on March 22, 1820, in Bladensburg, Maryland. After the duel, Decatur was brought to his home, succumbing to his wounds later that night. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, he was mourned throughout the city and the country.
One of the nation’s first heroes of the post-Revolutionary generation, Decatur’s influence on the early development of the U.S. Navy is still honored today through numerous tributes including town and school names across the country, as well as having five U.S. Navy ships named after him. His elegant townhouse, built in such close proximity to the White House, symbolized Decatur’s vision of not only his own social and professional advancement, but a vision of the city’s future prosperity as the capital of a growing nation."
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen PO1 H Gene Lawrence PO2 Kevin Parker CPT Scott Sharon SSG William Jones SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" PriceSFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Greg Henning LTC Jeff Shearer CWO3 Dennis M. PO3 Bob McCord SGT (Join to see)
(7)
(0)
3
3
0
2
2
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google