A U.S. Marine Corps officer whose heroic exploits in the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War are still celebrated. Born into a military family in Virginia, Presley O'Bannon joined the young Marine Corps in its earliest days. In the early 19th century, North African Barbary pirates preyed on American merchant ships, forcing the United States into the First Barbary War. On the distant Mediterranean front, Lieutenant O'Bannon was about to undertake one of the most legendary overseas expeditions in American military history. When the U.S. naval blockade stalled, William Eaton proposed backing the Pasha's exiled brother to weaken Tripoli's rule. O'Bannon took command at a critical moment, leading only seven U.S. Marines alongside Greek mercenaries and Arab cavalry. During the grueling 500-mile march across the Libyan Desert, hunger and thirst nearly sparked mutiny several times. Only O'Bannon's example and iron discipline brought them to Derna's walls. Outnumbered by Derna's defenders, O'Bannon led his Marines and Greek