History Challenge 4/27/09
April 27th, 2009 | 
Author: This week’s prize is the Book “The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Great Depression and the New Deal”
In April 1805, a major American victory against the Barbary pirates came during the Derna campaign, which was undertaken by U.S. Land Forces in North Africa. Supported by the heavy guns of the USS Argus and the USS Hornet, Marines and Arab mercenaries under William Eaton captured Derna. Lieutenant _________, commanding the Marines, performed so heroically in the battle that Prince Hamet Karamanli presented him with an elaborately designed sword that now serves as the pattern for the swords carried by Marine officers. The phrase “To the Shores of Tripoli,” from the official U.S. Marine Corps Hymn, also has its origins in the Derna campaign. Name the Lieutenant commanding the Marines during this Battle of Derna.
Posted in History Challenge
One Response to “History Challenge 4/27/09”
Answer: Presley O’Bannon
Winner: Franklin from San Antonio, TX
The resource for this weeks challenge came from the following websites and books:
A Patriot’s History of the United States
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=Article&id=4952
http://www.marines.com/main/index/winning_battles/history/missions/battle_of_derna
http://www.usmarinesbirthplace.com/OBANNON.html