Stephen Decatur Jr. was born in Maryland on January 5, 1779, and became one of America's most celebrated naval heroes. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 19 in 1798 and was promoted to captain at 25, making him the youngest person ever to reach that rank in Navy history. Decatur gained international fame in February 1804 when he led a daring nighttime raid into Tripoli harbor, where he and 75 sailors destroyed the captured USS Philadelphia by setting it ablaze. British Admiral Horatio Nelson praised

Stephen Decatur Middle School students teamed up in small groups to take on their first half-day challenge!🏎 #DPS61love #DPSproud | Decatur Public Schools #61

There's a new "oak tree savanna" growing in the green space at Stephen Decatur Middle School, thanks to 4H and the U of I Extension! | Decatur Public Schools #61 | Facebook

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