William Ward Burrows (sailor)

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Lieutenant William Ward Burrows (6 October 1785 – 5 September 1813) was an officer in the United States Navy during the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. his father, also named William Ward Burrows, was the second Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Burrows was appointed a Midshipman in 1799. He distinguished himself at Tripoli onboard Constitution. Lieutenant Burrows died while in command of the brig Enterprise as a result of wounds received during the engagement with the British brig HMS Boxer. He was buried in Portland, Maine next to the slain commander of Boxer, Samuel Elyth. For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.

Three ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Burrows for him.

[edit] Congressional Gold Medal citation

That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of lieutenant William Burrows, and to lieutenant Edward R. McCall of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid vessel, in testimony of the high sense entertained in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. And the President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.