Salvadore Catalano, a Sicilian-born sailor, became an American naval hero as a critical player in a secret mission during the First Barbary War.
A native of Sicily, his composure and knowledge of Tripoli Harbor were essential to the mission.
Image: Library of Congress
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A native of Sicily, his composure and knowledge of Tripoli Harbor were essential to the mission.
Image: Library of Congress
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In one of the most courageous actions in American naval history, Catalano piloted the Intrepid for Lieutenant Stephen Decatur’s destruction of the captured USS Philadelphia in Tripoli Harbor in 1804.
Image: U.S. Naval Academy Museum Collection/U.S. Navy Photograph
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Image: U.S. Naval Academy Museum Collection/U.S. Navy Photograph
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The mission to destroy the USS Philadelphia was perilous. Pirates (also called Corsairs) on board the Philadelphia hailed Decatur, but it was Catalano who answered, buying time for the Intrepid crew to attach ropes to the Philadelphia to pull the vessels together.
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Caught by surprise and lacking preparation for the fierce attack by the Americans, the pirates lost twenty men, and the rest jumped into the harbor.
Image: Library of Congress
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Image: Library of Congress
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Catalano came to the United States in 1805 and was admitted to the U.S. Navy as a reward for his brave and heroic service, on the recommendation of Decatur, depicted here, now a Captain.
Image: Library of Congress
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Image: Library of Congress
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The Decatur House, on the northwest corner of Lafayette Square, is our current headquarters. Decatur and his wife Susan financed the construction of the house with prize money he was awarded after his naval conquests in the War of 1812.
Image: WHHA
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Image: WHHA
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Listen to our 1600 Sessions podcast for more on the rich history of Decatur House: whitehousehistory.org/1600-sessions/…
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