Stephen Cassin
Commodore, U.S. Navy

Stephen Cassin was born on 16 February 1783. He began his Navy service in 1800, when he was appointed as a Midshipman. He took part in the Barbary Wars, and had risen to Lieutenant by the outbreak of the War of 1812.

Sent to serve under Commodore Theodore MacDonough in Lake Champlain, he assisted in building up American Naval forces there, and was given command of the USS Ticonderoga. He performed well at the 11 September 1814 Battle of Lake Champlain, directing his ship as it fended off British attacks and a boarding party. Commended by Commodore MacDonough, Stephen Cassin was awarded a Gold Medal by the U.S. Congress a month later for his performance. He ended the war with the rank of Master Commandant.

Remaining in the Navy, he achieved the rank of Captain in 1825, and Commodore in 1830. In 1822, while in command of the USS Peacock, he captured and destroyed a number of pirate vessels that had been praying on shipping in the West Indies.

Honors

Two U.S. Navy Destroyers have been named USS Cassin after him - DD-43, which served during World War I, and DD-372, which was heavily damaged at Pearl Harbor, but was salvaged and won six battle stars during World War II.

Death and Burial

Commodore Stephen Cassin died on 29 August 1857 and was originally interred in Georgetown, DC. His remains were subsequently removed to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, in Section 1.