I am Stephen Decatur Jr., born on January 5, 1779, on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County. As a naval officer and commodore in the United States Navy, I followed in my father's footsteps, who was a commodore during the American Revolution. My early exposure to ships and sailing set the course for my career in the Navy, where I rose through the ranks and made significant contributions to the development of the U.S. Navy. My service under three presidents and my acts of heroism in various theaters of operation have left a mark on the history of the United States Navy.