Edward Killen

Edward Killen was a sailor of the United States Navy in the 19th century who served in the First Barbary War.

Killen joined the Navy on 5 May 1801 as a seaman aboard the schooner Enterprise. Accompanying her to the Mediterranean Edward Killen served with skill and devotion, and was promoted to Master's Mate on 9 November 1803. He volunteered for Lieutenant Stephen Decatur's daring expedition into Tripoli Harbor on 16 February 1804 to destroy Philadelphia, a United States frigate captured by Tripolitan pirates. After successfully completing this mission in Intrepid, Killen served on board Enterprise until his death on 24 July 1806.

Namesake
The destroyer USS Killen (DD-593), launched in 1943 and struck in 1963, was named in his honor.