Presley O'Bannon
Presley Neville O'Bannon | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Hero of Derna" |
| Born | c. 1776 Fauquier County, Virginia |
| Died | September 12, 1850 (aged 73–74) Henry County, Kentucky |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1801-1807 |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Battles / wars | |
Presley O'Bannon (c. 1776 – September 12, 1850) was a first lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, famous for his exploits in the First Barbary War (1801–1805). In recognition of his bravery, he was presented a sword for his part in attempting to restore Prince Hamet Karamanli to his throne as the Bey of Tripoli. This sword became the model for the Mameluke Sword, adopted in 1825 for Marine Corps officers, which is part of the formal uniform today.