Edward Stack (April 26, 1756 – December 1833) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the American Revolutionary War.
Biography
Edward Stack was born in Kelad, County Kerry, Ireland. Entering the service of Louis XV in 1770 as an Ensign in the Irish Brigade, he was appointed Aide de Camp to the King in 1772. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1777 and accompanied the Marquis de Lafayette's expedition to Virginia in 1778. He returned to France 1779. Stack was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps by John Paul Jones on February 4, 1779. He embarked at Lorient on the Privateer Bonhomme Richard (Captain John Paul Jones) in August 1779.
Stack commanded the division in the main top of the Bonhomme Richard during her battle with HMS Serapis on September 23, 1779, off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire. The Battle of Flamborough Head resulted in the capture of the Serapis. In his report of the action, Jones commended Stack for his great bravery, crediting him with the victory, which historians now conclude turned the tide of war for America.
Lt. Stack remained in United States service until 1780. Later, he returned to France and was appointed to Dillon's Regiment in the Irish Brigade, with whom he accompanied the Marquis de Bouille's expedition to the West Indies and assisted in the reduction of Tobago, St. Kitts, Nevis and Montserrat.
