Final answer:
The U.S. Marine Corps tradition of carrying the Mameluke sword was started by Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon after his actions during the First Barbary War wherein he was presented with the sword.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tradition of carrying the Mameluke sword in the U.S. Marine Corps dates back to Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon. During the First Barbary War, O'Bannon led a group of Marines in the capture of the Tripolitan city of Derna in 1805. This victory marked the first time the United States flag was raised in victory on foreign soil. In recognition of his bravery and leadership, the ruler of Tripoli presented O'Bannon with a sword fashioned in the Mameluke style. Since 1825, the Mameluke sword has been the ceremonial sidearm of Marine officers, symbolizing the historic importance and the valor displayed by O'Bannon and his Marines.