Which 1805 Marine action is linked to the first raising of Colors in the Eastern Hemisphere?

• A. Marines stormed Derna, as part of operations against Barbary pirates
• B. Marines stormed Derna, and this action marked the first raising of Colors in the Eastern Hemisphere
• C. The Boxer Rebellion began near Derna
• D. The Halls of Montezuma phrase originates from Derna

Answer: (B)

During the 1805 action at Derna in the First Barbary War, Marines participated in storming the town held by Barbary pirates. After the town fell, Lt. Presley O’Bannon is credited with raising the American flag—the Colors—on Derna’s walls. This moment is recognized as the first time the United States flag was raised on Eastern Hemisphere soil, giving the Derna action a landmark symbolic significance for the Corps and the young nation. The other options point to related activities or later events, but only the Derna assault is linked to that historic flag raising, making it the most fitting connection to the first Colors raised abroad.