 |
Medal Name: Naval operations against Tripoli
Struck for: Commodore Edward Preble
Approval: Act of Congress March 3, 1805
OBVERSE
EDWARDO PREBLE DUCI STRENUO COMITIA AMERICANA. (The American Congress to EdwardPreble, a valiant officer.)
Bust of Commodore Preble, in uniform, facing the left.
REVERSE
VINDICI COMMERCII AMERICANI. (To the vindicator of American commerce.)
The United States fleet, commanded by Commodore Preble, is bombarding Tripoli.
Exergue: ANTE TRIPOLI MDCCCIV (Off Tripoli, 1804)
BACKGROUND
Edward Preble was born at Falmouth Neck, now Portland, Maine, August 15, 1761. He served as midshipman and lieutenant during the War of Independence, was appointed lieutenant in the navy in 1798, and commanded the brig Pickering. In 1799 he became captain, and was appointed to the Essex. Owing to ill health he was unemployed till1803, when he was given the command of the squadron sent against Tripoli. For his skill and bravery on this expedition Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. In 1806, President Jefferson offered him the Navy Department, which he declined on account of ill health. He died in Portland, August 25, 1807.
Resolution of Congress Voting a Medal to to Commodore Preble.
In Congress
Resolved unanimously by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled: That the thanks of Congress be, and the same are hereby, presented to Commodore Edward Preble, and through him to the officers, seamen, and marines attached to the squadron under his command, for their gallantry and good conduct displayed in the several attacks on the town, batteries and naval force of Tripoli, in the year one thousand eight hundred and four.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, emblematical of the attacks on the town, batteries, and naval force of Tripoli, by the squadron under Commodore Preble's command, and to present it to Commodore Preble in such a manner as, in his opinion, will be most honourable to him; and that the President be further requested to cause a sword to be presented to each of the commissioned officers and midshipmen who have distinguished themselves in the several attacks.
Resolved, That one month's pay be allowed, exclusively of the common allowance, to all the petty officers,seamen, and marines, of the squadron, who so gloriously supported the honour of the American flag, under the orders of their gallant commander, in the several attacks.
Resolved, That the President of the United States be also requested to communicate to the parents, or other near relatives, of Captain Richard Somers, Lieutenants Henry Wadsworth, James Decatur, James R. Caldwell, Joseph Israel, and Midshipman John Sword Dorsey, the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of those gallant men, whose names ought to live in the recollections and affections of a grateful country, and whose conduct ought to be regarded as an example to future generations.
Approved March 3, 1805.
Source: The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 by J. F. Loubat, LL.D. (1878)