Joseph Israel

Joseph Israel (about 1780 – 4 September 1804) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. 

Israel entered the Navy as Midshipman 15 January 1801.  He served in Maryland during the Quasi-War with France and in Chesapeake, New York, and Constitution during operation in the Mediterranean against the Barbary pirates.  Midshipman Israel was killed 4 September 1804 when ketch Intrepid exploded in the harbor of Tripoli during the night effort to destroy the enemy shipping led by Lieutenant Richard Somers.  

A monument to the memory of Israel and his fellow officers and men stands on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. 

Israel was reported to be of the Jewish faith, although "there was no evidence that Israel is a Jew or of Jewish ancestry."  

USS Israel (DD-98) was named in honor of him. 

References 

Category:1780 births
Category:1804 deaths
Category:United States Navy officers
Category:American military personnel of the Quasi-War
Category:American military personnel of the First Barbary War