The fledgling United States Marine Corps proved its dauntless
courage with a "miracle" victory in the Battle of Derna on the
shores of Tripoli in North Africa on this day in history, April 27,
1805.
The successful attack against overwhelming numbers on the
port city in present-day Libya, a stronghold of pirates who
Spent years attacking United States ships at sea, was the
climactic battle of the First Barbary War (1801-05).
The victory is immortalized in a patriotic American anthem.
"From the Halls of Montezuma/To the Shores of Tripoli/
We fight our country’s battles/In the air, on land and sea,"
proclaims the rousing opening lyrics of "The Marines’ Hymn".
