William Ward Burrows II

Who was William Ward Burrows II?

Lieutenant William Ward Burrows II was an officer in the United States Navy during the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. His father, also named William Ward Burrows, was the second Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Burrows was appointed a Midshipman in 1799. He distinguished himself at Tripoli onboard Constitution. Lieutenant Burrows died while in command of the brig Enterprise as a result of wounds received during the engagement with the British brig HMS Boxer. He was buried in Portland, Maine next to the slain commander of Boxer, Samuel Blyth. For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Three ships in the United States Navy have been named USS Burrows for him.