Medal commemorating the action between USS 'Enterprise' and HMS 'Boxer', 1813. Obverse: A funeral urn upon a tomb chest inscribed: 'W BURROWS', a trophy of various small arms and flags and cannon behind, an anchor (left) and pile of shot (right) in front. Legend: 'VICTORIAM TIBI CLARAM . PATRIAE MAESTAM.' (The Victory meant fame for thee, but for thy country sorrow.) Reverse: Port broadside view of USS 'Enterprise', brig (left), and port-quarter view of HMS 'Boxer', brig (right), her main topmast carried away. Legend: 'VIVERE SAT VINCERE.' (Victory is life enough.) Exergue: 'INTER ENTERPRIZE NAV. AMERI. ET BOXER NAV. BRIT. DIE IV SEPT. MDCCCXIII.' (Between the American ship Enterprize and the English ship Boxer, 4 September 1813.) Fought off Portland, Maine, both captains being killed in action. Signed 'FURST.F.' below the ground line on the obverse and in the exergue on the reverse.
One of a series of 27 medals commemorating American successes during the War of 1812, struck by special resolution of Congress. They were awarded to naval commanders in gold and to their officers in silver. The bronze examples are restrikes.