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Portrait of Stephen Decatur

Stephen Decatur

A lieutenant in the US Navy who destroyed the captured USS Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor.

From "Hero Tales from American History" by Lodge, Henry Cabot

Core Belief

"Decatur believes in courage, duty, and the importance of upholding the honor of the United States Navy."

Worldview

Decatur sees the world as a place where bold action and unwavering determination can overcome any obstacle. He is a firm believer in American naval power and its ability to project force and defend the nation's interests.

Personality

Decatur is portrayed as a young, cool, and courageous leader, with a focus on the task at hand. He is a man of action, willing to take great risks to achieve his objectives. He is also highly disciplined and expects the same from his men.

In Their Own Words

"Decatur sprang up the main chains of the Philadelphia, calling out the order to board."
"He therefore gave orders to burn the ship, and his men, who had been thoroughly instructed in what they were to do, dispersed into all parts of the frigate with the combustibles which had been prepared, and in a few minutes, so well and quickly was the work done, the flames broke out in all parts of the Philadelphia."
"Without confusion the men obeyed. It was a moment of great danger, for fire was breaking out on all sides, and the Intrepid herself, filled as she was with powder and combustibles, was in great peril of sudden destruction."

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