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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.
He was born in Sinepuxent, Maryland, and was appointed
midshipman in the Navy on April
30, 1798, serving in the USS United States.
As a lieutenant, in the war against Tripoli, on February 16, 1804, he went into the harbor, recaptured the USS Philadelphia, and then destroyed her.
On October 25, 1812, now commanding
the United States, he captured the HMS Macedonian. In
1814 he flew a pennant as Commodore commanding the USS President and
three smaller vessels in the West Indies. Unfortunately he fell in with the
British West Indies Squadron January 15, 1815, and had to surrender the President after a fierce fight.
Between 1816 and 1820, Decatur was a Navy Commissioner.
In 1820, he feuded with Commodore James Barron; they fought a duel which resulted in Decatur's death.
Decatur is famed for his toast "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our
country, right or wrong."
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Decatur was
named in his honor, along with numerous locations.
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