"... to the shores of Tripoli."

Via Email | Lt Colonel Ray Madonna USMC (Ret.)

[Neil E. Wright]

From Lt Colonel Ray Madonna USMC (Ret.)

---

Lt. Presely Obannon

While driving through Frankfort, Kentucky... historical marker that said Daniel Boone's grave is there in the local cemetary so I stopped to see it. There were also  union and confederate grave sites. While looking through the area I spotted a sign with the Marine Corps emblem and walked over to see who was buried there and saw the grave site of Lt. Presley Obannon and have enclosed two photos I took that day. I am passing them on to you so all the Marines that receive your letter will know where it is at and if they should be traveling through Frankfort to stop and see for themselves.

Biography

Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, O'Bannon entered the Marine Corps January 18, 1801. As a first lieutenant assigned to the USS Argus (1803), he commanded a detachment of seven Marines in General William Eaton’s little force in the War with Tripoli. During the combined operations with the U.S. Navy, he led the successful attack in the Battle of Derna April 27, 1805, giving the Marines' Hymn its immortal “to the shores of Tripoli”.
According to tradition, Hamet Karamanli was so impressed with O'Bannon's bravery that, following the attack, he presented Lt. O'Bannon with his personal Mameluke sword as a gesture of gratitude. Upon his return to the States, the state of Virginia presented him with a silver-hilted sword featuring an eaglehead hilt and a curved blade modeled after the original Mameluke given him by Hamet.
Its blade is inscribed with his name and a commemoration of the battle of Tripoli.[1] After resigning from the Marine Corps as a Major on March 6, 1807, O’Bannon moved to Logan County, Kentucky, where he built a home in Russellville.
He served in the Kentucky State Legislature in 1812, 1817 and 1820–21, as well as in the Kentucky State Senate from 1824 to 1826. He died on September 12, 1850 at the age of 74 in Franklin County, Kentucky. In 1991 his remains were moved to the Frankfort Cemetery.

[Neil E. Wright]

Received this today in my MiliNet email from the Maj. USMC(Ret.) that runs the list. Thought all the Marines and veterans on this forum might enjoy it.

Semper Fi, Marines!

Thank you to all veterans for your service in the cause of

★ FREEDOM! ★

★ Estimated Value – PRICELESS! ★

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Thanks much.That was awesome.

[unkus]

Thank you very much Neil E. Wright!

[Neil E. Wright]

Just FYI

It's about

★ FREEDOM! ★

★ Estimated Value – PRICELESS! ★

[John Leland 1789]

Thanks! Great!

So, before there was a Jewish state, before the USA was involved in the Middle East, before “Palestinians” (whatever they are) were claiming the USA helps Israel steal their land, etc., etc., etc. . . .

The Mohammedans were a load of hostage-taking pirates with no morality whatsoever.

[LongElegantLegs]

Thanks for posting this.

[blackd77]

Thank you. Semper Fi.

[gman992]

Semper Fi!

[infowarrior]

According to tradition, Hamet Karamanli was so impressed with O'Bannon's bravery that, following the attack, he presented Lt. O'Bannon with his personal Mameluke sword as a gesture of gratitude. Upon his return to the States, the state of Virginia presented him with a silver-hilted sword featuring an eaglehead hilt and a curved blade modeled after the original Mameluke given him by Hamet.

The tradition still holds, even today, as the official USMC dress officer's sword is patterned after these blades...

the infowarrior

[Pollster1]

This was the noblest Roman of them all;
All the conspirators save only he
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
He, only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, ‘This was a man!’
- Shakespeare (Julius Caesar)

There was a time when America was proud to have such men. Many of us still are proud of O’Bannon and of so many other great Americas, and I pray that pride will return to the country as a whole.

[dcwusmc]

Thanks. I missed seeing that email.

[Pentagon Leatherneck]

Cool. While I was aware that Lt. O’Bannon was a son of the Old Dominion, I was not aware where he was buried. His and Mr. Jefferson’s war continues today, eh?

Semper Fi

TC

[arthurus]

cemetery

[arthurus]

Good one. I sent it to several marines and one-time marines who I know or who are sons of people I know.

[marine86297]

Thanks for posting, the next time I go to visit my Mom in Corbin, KY I will definitely be stopping by to check this out.

Semper Fidelis

[RaceBannon]

Marine Ping!!

[Wings-n-Wind]

This is GREAT!

OOooooooHH-RAHHH!!!

My mameluke sword is one of the treasures of my life!
Thanks Lt. O'Bannon for writing extraordinary history for our Corps.

Semper Fidelis!

Thanks for the post

[BamaAndy]

Thank you very much.

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks very much and Semper Fi!

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[Always A Marine]

Wow — thanks for sharing your great find! That’ll make a great side visit during the World Equestrian Games in Lexington this fall. Semper Fidelis...