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出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/08/01 10:55 UTC 版)

英語による解説

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Stephen Decatur, Jr. /dɪˈkeɪtər/, (5 January 1779 – 22 March 1820) was an American naval officer notable for his heroism in the Barbary Wars and in the War of 1812. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, Worcester county, the son of a U.S. Naval Officer who served during the American Revolution. After attending college Decatur aptly followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 19. He was the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy. Decatur's father, Stephan Decatur Sr, was also a Commodore in the Navy which brought the younger Stephen into the world of ships and sailing early on. Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he would later take command of. He was affluent among Washington society and was friends with James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries. Decatur's military service in the Navy was exceptional, involving many daring and heroic battles that took him through the first and second Barbary Wars of north Africa, the Quasi-War, and the War of 1812. His home, known as Decatur House on Lafayette Square was once home to a number of famous Americans, and was the center of Washington society. His distinguished career in the Navy would come to a premature end when Decatur lost his life in a duel with a rival officer. His numerous naval victories against Britain, France and the Barbary states established the United States as a world power comparable to Britain and France. In the process Decatur emerged as the first post revolutionary war hero where his name and legacy soon came to be identified with the United States Navy.