The attack on the city of Derna was part of the First Barbary War, a conflict that saw the United States engage with the North African Barbary States to halt piracy against American merchant vessels. In early 1805, U.S. Navy Lieutenant William Eaton, alongside a contingent of U.S. Marines, coordinated a daring campaign to capture Derna with the help of Berber allies. This endeavor arose from President Thomas Jefferson's efforts to protect American shipping interests after years of paying tribute to the Barbary States, which demanded heavy ransom in exchange for safe passage through the Mediterranean.

Eaton's plan involved a land and sea approach, where the Marines, alongside approximately 400 Berber fighters, landed near the city. They faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain and fierce resistance from Tripolitan forces. Nevertheless, through a combination of strategic planning and relentless determination, the Marines successfully stormed Derna on April 27, showcasing their newfound military capabilities. The victory at Derna not only secured a foothold in the region but also symbolized America's assertive shift toward protecting its national interests abroad.

The capture had lasting implications for the United States' foreign policy, as it demonstrated the willingness of the young nation to engage militarily in the pursuit of its interests. Derna became a key military and symbolic stronghold in the fight against the Barbary pirates, which would continue until the conclusion of the war in 1805. The involvement of American forces in Derna generated significant national pride and is famously referenced in the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn, connecting the mission to a sense of duty and honor that resonates in military culture to this day.