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COMMANDER // 1779–1820

Stephen Decatur, Jr.

commodoreUnited StatesUnited States3 battles2 wars

Lifespan

1779 – 1820

17801790180018101820First Barbary War · 1801-1805Second Barbary War · 1815Second Battle of Tripoli Harbor — August 3, 1804 · United States · First Barbary WarBattle of Cape Palos — June 19, 1815 · United States · Second Barbary WarBattle off Cape Gata — June 17, 1815 · United States · Second Barbary War

Active service 1804–1815 — 3 battles across 2 wars; first command at age 25.

Profile

Stephen Decatur Jr. was a United States Navy officer. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County. His father, Stephen Decatur Sr., was a commodore in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War; he 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 age 19 as a midshipman.

Source · Wikipedia · Q720374

Battles (3)

Last verified June 2026
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