Oliver Hazard Perry

Oliver Hazard Perry was a prominent officer in the United States Navy.

He was born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Perry belonged to a significant naval dynasty. His father was Captain Christopher Raymond Perry. His brother, Matthew C. Perry, also became a Commodore. This family history of service shaped his early life. He grew up in Tower Hill, Rhode Island. As a boy, he spent his time sailing ships. He was preparing for a future career as a naval officer.

Perry's professional journey began at a very young age. On April 7, 1799, he was appointed a midshipman. He was only thirteen years old at the time. He sailed on the ship General Greene. His father was the commanding officer of that vessel. During his early years, Perry served in several different regions. He served in the West Indies during the Quasi War of 1798–1800. He also served in the Mediterranean during the Barbary Wars. Later, he worked in the Caribbean fighting piracy and the slave trade.

In 1811, Perry experienced a significant challenge during his service. He was commanding a sloop named the Revenge. On January 9, 1811, the ship ran aground near Rhode Island. Perry realized he could not save the vessel. He focused his efforts on saving the crew instead. He helped the men down the ropes at the stern. Perry was the very last person to leave the sinking ship.

A subsequent court-martial cleared him of blame. The court placed the responsibility on the ship's pilot.

During the War of 1812, Perry took on a vital leadership role. At the start of the war, the British Royal Navy controlled most of the Great Lakes. The American naval forces were quite small. Perry was appointed chief naval officer for the American forces on Lake Erie. He supervised the construction of a new fleet at Erie, Pennsylvania.

Perry studied the tactics of famous naval leaders like Horatio Nelson. He used these lessons to plan his own naval operations. He wanted to ensure his captains were prepared for the coming conflict.

On September 10, 1813, Perry led his squadron in the Battle of Lake Erie.

His flagship was named the Lawrence. During the battle, the Lawrence was severely damaged by gunfire. The British commander, Robert Heriot Barclay, believed Perry would surrender. Instead, Perry followed a famous battle cry. He used a flag that read "DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP."

This phrase was a tribute to his friend, Captain James Lawrence. Perry and a small crew rowed a boat half a mile through heavy fire. They transferred his command to a new ship called the Niagara.

Once aboard the Niagara, Perry led a decisive attack. He steered the ship toward the damaged British vessels. The Niagara broke the opposing line of ships. Perry's force fought until the British could no longer resist. The British surrendered six ships in total. These included two brigs, one schooner, and two ships.

Perry sent a famous, brief message to General William Henry Harrison. He wrote, "We have met the enemy and they are ours." This victory was a major turning point in the war. It protected the Ohio Valley and allowed for invasions into Canada.

Perry's career was not without intense personal and professional conflict. He became involved in a bitter controversy with Captain Jesse Elliott. Elliott had been tasked with bringing reinforcements to Lake Erie. However, Perry believed the men and officers sent by Elliott were of poor quality. This disagreement led to official charges against both men. Despite this, Perry's strategic leadership influenced nine different military victories. These included capturing Fort George and winning the Battle of the Thames. He was eventually awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his service.

Today, the legacy of Oliver Hazard Perry remains very visible. He is remembered as the "Hero of Lake Erie." Many ships, places, and people have been named in his honor. His battle flag is preserved in the U.S. Naval Academy.

Even modern Navy ships fly a replica of his famous flag.

His life serves as a major example of naval leadership and perseverance.