Tripoli, Derna and War of 1812 – 1800-1820  

The Marine Corps began the 19th century battling against French naval forces on the high seas, and they would soon be employed against the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean—adding the “to the Shores of Tripoli” and the nickname “Leathernecks” to their growing list of accolades. Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon led Marines against the pirates’ fortresses at Tripoli and Derna and would capture the iconic Mameluke Sword which remains the Corps’ officer’s sword.  In the War of 1812— America’s second confrontation with Great Britain— Marines continued to serve with the Navy on the seas and fought determined battles on land at Bladensburg and New Orleans.