USS United States vs HMS Macedonia

On October 25, 1812, the USS "United States", commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur, defeated the HMS "Macedonian" off of the coast of Africa.

Five hundred miles south of the Azores, crew members of the United States Navy vessel observed a sail approximately twelve miles away. Captain Decatur identified the ship as the HMS Macedonia and authorized his ship to engage in combat. Captain Decatur intended to engage the Macedonian from a distance, where his twenty-four-pounder cannons would have a tactical advantage over the eighteen-pounder cannons of the British, and then maneuver in for a direct attack.

The battle commenced as planned by Captain Decatur. The United States Navy vessel fired an inaccurate broadside at the HMS Macedonia. The British retaliated by damaging a small spar on the United States Navy vessel. Captain Decatur’s subsequent broadside attack destroyed the Macedonian’s topmast, gaining the United States a strategic advantage. By noon, the HMS Macedonia surrendered. The United States Navy vessel suffered ten-four casualties, compared to the Macedonian’s two.

The vessels returned to New York Harbor on December 4th amidst widespread national celebration over the extraordinary victory. Captain Decatur and his crew received special commendation from both Congress and President James Madison. The HMS Macedonia was subsequently acquired and repaired by the United States Navy and has had a distinguished and honorable career under the American flag.