Who was presented with the Mameluke sword for heroism in the Battle of Tripoli?

The Mameluke sword, a historic symbol of the Marine Corps, was presented to 1st Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon for his exemplary heroism during the Battle of Derna in 1805, part of the First Barbary War. O'Bannon's actions in the battle were significant; he led a small contingent of Marines and was a key figure in capturing the city from the forces of the Bey of Tripoli. His bravery and leadership demonstrated the values of courage and sacrifice that are hallmarks of Marine Corps tradition.

The tradition of awarding the Mameluke sword was established following O'Bannon's distinguished service, creating a lasting symbol of honor within the Marine Corps. This historical recognition illustrates the foundational role that such acts of valor play in shaping the identity and legacy of the Marine Corps.

Other figures listed, while significant in their own right, were not associated with the awarding of the Mameluke sword during the Battle of Tripoli. General John A. Lejeune, for example, is known for his leadership and contributions to the Corps but came much later. Major General James Mattis and Colonel Joseph Dunford also served with distinction but are connected to more recent history and do not have ties to the events for which