27 April - 13 May 1805: To the Shores of Tripoli: The Battle of Derna

The Battle of Derna, fought on April 27, 1805, was a significant turning point in the First Barbary War, also referred to as the Tripolitan War or the Barbary Coast War. The conflict marked one of the earliest military engagements in U.S. history and stemmed from trade disputes between the United States and Tripolitania, a state within the Barbary Coast — a region notorious for state-sponsored piracy during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

RIGHT: First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon, USMC (with raised rifle) at Derna. Source: Colonel Charles Waterhouse, U.S. Marines (Marine Corps Art Collection). Public Domain.

At the time, merchant ships traveling through the Mediterranean Sea faced constant threats from Tripolitanian pirates, who would capture crews and cargo, then demand ransom or tribute for their release. European powers, seeking to avoid conflict, opted to pay annual tributes in exchange for safe passage for their ships. The United States, which had initially followed a similar course of action, changed its stance under President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson famously declared that the young nation would no longer bow to the demands of piracy, stating, "The wind blows hard against the shores of Tripoli, and so must our willingness to surrender." This bold decision set the stage for a naval confrontation and marked America's first overseas war.

Determined to put an end to the continuous piracy and secure safe trade routes, Jefferson ordered a naval fleet to the Mediterranean. However, the naval operations faced significant logistical challenges, particularly a lack of ground troops to support efforts inland. The solution came in the form of William Eaton, a former U.S. consul to Tunis, and Presley O’Bannon, a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Eaton was a tactical and persuasive diplomat with knowledge of North African affairs, while O’Bannon embodied the valor and discipline of the U.S. Marine Corps.

William Eaton developed a daring plan to overthrow the Tripolitanian government and restore Hamet Karamanli—a rival and exiled brother of the reigning pasha—as the leader of Tripoli. Eaton reasoned that this would serve U.S. strategic interests by securing an ally in the region and ending the piracy at its source.

Gathering a ragtag force of 8 U.S. Marines and a mixed group of approximately 500 mercenaries, including Arab, Greek, and Berber soldiers, Eaton planned an audacious march across North Africa. Their goal was to capture Derna, a heavily fortified port city in modern-day Libya. Securing Derna was critical, as it controlled a key coastal supply route and would place significant pressure on the Tripolitanian forces.

The march from Alexandria, Egypt, to Derna spanned 521 miles across the harsh terrain of the North African desert. The expedition faced immense challenges, including limited supplies, scorching heat, and cultural tensions among the multinational force. Eaton’s determination and leadership held the force together during the grueling 50-day trek. His ability to maintain morale and manage logistical constraints proved pivotal in keeping the troops unified and prepared for the battle ahead.

LEFT: First Lieutenant Presley Neville O'Bannon, USMC 1801-1807. Source: Wikimedia.

Derna itself was a pivotal strategic site. Its fortifications and large defending force made it an intimidating target for Eaton’s smaller unit. Reinforced by naval support from the USS Nautilus and USS Argus, the attack on Derna began on April 27, 1805. Eaton divided his troops into two prongs for a coordinated assault. Presley O’Bannon, leading a contingent of Marines, spearheaded the assault on the city’s defensive lines.

The image of Lieutenant O’Bannon storming Derna’s fortifications has become an enduring symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps. According to accounts, O’Bannon carried a mameluke sword in one hand and the American flag in the other during the charge, displaying immense courage and unwavering determination. The combined efforts of the ground force and naval bombardment overwhelmed the Tripolitanian defenders, and by the end of the day, Eaton's forces had successfully seized control of the city.

The Marines famously raised the stars and stripes over Derna, marking the first time the U.S. flag was flown in victory on foreign soil. The achievement underscored the emerging might of the young United States and its willingness to project power beyond its borders.

The Battle of Derna had far-reaching implications for the United States and its military history. The victory not only ended the immediate hostilities with Tripolitania but also set the foundation for the eventual peace treaty that concluded the First Barbary War in 1805. While Eaton’s plan to install Hamet Karamanli as the new pasha ultimately failed due to political complexities, the successful capture of Derna demonstrated the capability and resilience of U.S. forces operating in foreign territories.

The battle also solidified the reputation of the U.S. Marine Corps as a highly disciplined and effective fighting force. The Marines’ actions during the campaign inspired the famous line in the Marine Corps Hymn—"to the shores of Tripoli"—paying homage to their role in this historic victory. Eaton and O’Bannon’s leadership became legendary, and O’Bannon was later presented with a ceremonial mameluke sword, a design that continues to be used in the official dress uniform of Marine officers.

The Battle of Derna became emblematic of the United States’ commitment to protecting its interests and standing against oppression, even on distant shores. It underscored the emerging strength of the U.S. military and its ability to carry out operations abroad, setting the stage for future interventions and maritime dominance. For history enthusiasts, the Battle of Derna offers a fascinating look at the early days of American military strategy and diplomacy. For students, it serves as a critical case study in leadership, resilience, and the challenges of coalition warfare. The bravery and determination displayed on the shores of Tripoli remain an enduring part of American history, reminding us of the sacrifices made to uphold principles of sovereignty and freedom.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"First Lieutenant Presley Neville O'Bannon." MCU. Accessed April 1, 2023. https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Whos-Who-in-Marine-Corps-History/Mackie-Ozbourn/First-Lieutenant-Presley-Neville-OBannon/.

John Toler Associate Editor. "The Story of Fauquier’s Lt. Presley N. O’Bannon and the Marine Corps Sword." Prince William Times. Last modified April 7, 2018. https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/the-story-of-fauquier-s-lt-presley-n-o-bannon/article_dc8286a7-7000-5126-9e0e-75de23b75913.html.