COMMANDER // 1780–1843
David Porter
admiralUnited States1 battle1 war
Lifespan
1780 – 1843
Active service 1800 — 1 battle across 1 war; first command at age 20.
Profile
David Porter was an American naval officer and diplomat. Porter commanded a number of U.S. naval ships. He saw service in the First Barbary War, the War of 1812 and in the West Indies. During the War of 1812, Porter captained USS Essex, and originated the American motto of "Free trade and sailors' rights". When Porter raided Spanish territory without orders in 1822, he was court-martialed and resigned his commission. Afterwards, Porter joined and became commander-in-chief of the Mexican Navy.
Battles (1)
1800
Action of 1 January 1800War of the South · United States