Battle of Derna

The Battle of Derna, fought in 1805, was a significant event during the First Barbary War between the United States and the Tripolitan (Libyan) pirates. U.S. Marines and mercenaries launched a daring overland attack to capture the city of Derna in present-day Libya, which was controlled by pirates demanding tribute. The victory marked the first successful land expedition by the U.S. military abroad and helped suppress piracy in the Mediterranean. It also inspired the famous Marine hymn line, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli.”