Stephen Cassin

Stephen Cassin (16 February 1783 – 29 August 1857) was an officer in the United States Navy.

Born in Philadelphia, the son of naval officer John Cassin, Cassin entered the United States Navy as a midshipman in 1800, and served in Philadelphia in the West Indies during the latter part of the Quasi-War with France. In the War of 1812, he commanded the USS Ticonderoga in the Battle of Lake Champlain and was awarded a gold medal for bravery by the United States Congress. He later served during the Second Barbary War on the USS Peacock and in the West Indies Squadron against piracy.

Captain Cassin died in Washington, D.C.. He was buried in Washington, but later moved to Arlington National Cemetery.

Text of Congressional Gold Medal resolution:

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause gold medals to be struck, emblematical of the action between the two squadrons, and to present them to Captain Macdonough and Captain Robert Henley, and also to Lieutenant Stephen Cassin, in such manner as may be most honorable to them; and that the President be further requested to present a silver medal, with suitable emblems and devices, to each of the commissioned officers of the navy and army serving on board, and a sword to each of the midshipmen and sailing masters, who so nobly distinguished themselves in that memorable conflict.

Namesakes

Two ships have been named USS Cassin for him.

Fort Cassin in Vermont

References

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

External links

• Arlington Cemetery record