United States War of 1812 Naval Officer. As a United States Navy Lieutenant, he distinguished himself during the Barbary War at Tripoli on board the "USS Constitution" in 1803. Serving during the War of 1812, he once again distinguished himself. In September 1813, as Commander of the Brig Enterprise, he engaged into combat with the British Brig "HMS Boxer", off Portland, Maine. Though mortally wounded, he lived long enough to win the battle and receive the surrender of his adversary. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award which may be bestowed to any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America. Three ships in the United States Navy have been named the "USS Burrows" in his honor. His father, William Ward Burrows Sr. was the First Commandant of the reconstituted Marine Corps, appointed by President John Adams in 1798.

United States War of 1812 Naval Officer. As a United States Navy Lieutenant, he distinguished himself during the Barbary War at Tripoli on board the "USS Constitution" in 1803. Serving during the War of 1812, he once again distinguished himself. In September 1813, as Commander of the Brig Enterprise, he engaged into combat with the British Brig "HMS Boxer", off Portland, Maine. Though mortally wounded, he lived long enough to win the battle and receive the surrender of his adversary. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award which may be bestowed to any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America. Three ships in the United States Navy have been named the "USS Burrows" in his honor. His father, William Ward Burrows Sr. was the First Commandant of the reconstituted Marine Corps, appointed by President John Adams in 1798.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith