John M. Dale Sponsored the USS Dale's Launching

From Ships of the U.S. Navy and Their Sponsors.

USS Dale Sloop of War

Named for Commodore Richard Dale, U.S. Navy

675 tons, 8 guns

Launched November 8, 1839 at Philadelphia Navy Yard.

SPONSOR:  Commander John M. Dale, son of Commodore Richard Dale, U.S. Navy, of Revolutionary fame.

John Gwinn was the ship's first commander.

"On the occasion of the launching, Commander Dale wore the sword presented to John Paul Jones by Louis XVI of France.

"The sword came into possession of Commodore Richard Dale after the death of John Paul Jones."

--Brock-Perry

Richard Dale (Midshipman Richard Dale's Father) Was a Hero of the American Revolution

From Find A Grave.

BIRTH:  6 November 1756  Norfolk City, Virginia

DEATH:  26 February 1826  (aged 69)  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

BURIAL:  Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  (A lot of famous people are buried there.)

He was the father of Midshipman Dale who is buried in Bermuda and considered the last American casualty of the War of 1812.  I have been writing about him earlier this month.

Revolutionary War  Naval Officer.    Served in the British Navy from 1776 to 1777, when he took up the American cause.

Served as second-in-command to Captain John Paul Jones on the USS Bon Homme Richard in the famous battle with the HMS Serapis.

Later promoted to lieutenant and commanded continental vessels.

Promoted to captain, U.S. Navy in 1794 and led the Navy squadron in the Mediterranean Sea during the 1801-1802  Barbary Coast War.

Originally buried at  at the Christ Church Burial Ground in  Philadelphia, was reinterred in Laurel Hill Cemetery in 1888.

If you want to read about more details of this man's very interesting life, look him up in Wikipedia.

--Brock-Perry

Midshipman Richard Dale-- Part 1: Father Was a U.S. Navy Commodore

From Find A Grave

RICHARD SOUTHERLAND SALE

BIRTH:  1795

DEATH:  22 February 1815 (aged 19-20)

BURIAL:  St. Peter's Church Graveyard, Bermuda.

Midshipman Richard Dale who was the last victim of the War of 1812.

Midshipman Richard Southerland Dale was the oldest son of Commodore Richard Dale from  Philadelphia, who was 20 years old when he lost his leg after his ship, the President engaged a British warship in the 1815 war between Britain and the United States.

His father fought in the American Revolution and was second in command of the USS Bon Homme Richard in its famous fight against the HMS Serapis.  That ship's commander, of course, was none other than John Paul Jones.

--Brock-Perry