Decatur's Squadron in The Second Barbary War - Conqurer of The Barbary Pirates

Conqurer of The Barbary Pirates

Upon his return to America Decatur was lauded with praise and promoted to the Board of Naval Commissioners in Washington DC. Although the Second Barbary War was much shorter than the first a decade before, it had the effect of marking America as a true naval power.

Decatur was seen as America's first true hero who had not served during the civil war, marking as an indication to the nation that it was moving on from its past. However for the Commodore his glory was short lived as a jealous Commodore James Barron challenged him to a duel by pistol. Although Decatur purposely wounded his challenger in the hip, he himself was shot badly in the pelvis and died hours later in his home. His funeral was attended by over 10,000 people including the president, supreme court and most of congress.