Edward R. McCall was born in 1790 in South Carolina and appointed midshipman 1 January 1808.
Appointed acting lieutenant in brig Enterprise 16 October 1811, he took command of his ship during her action with HMS Boxer 5 September 1813, after Enterprise's captain, Lt. William Burrows, was mortally wounded.
In acknowledgment of their victory over Boxer, Burrows and McCall received the thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.
Promoted captain 3 March 1835, Capt. McCall died at Bordentown, New Jersey, 1 August 1853.
Congressional Gold Medal citation
That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant William Burrows, and to Lieutenant Edward R. McCall of the brig
Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid vessel, in testimony of the high sense entertained in the conflict with the British sloop
Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. And the President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of Lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country’s rights and fame.
