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The
Commodore Perry Flag
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, whose
father was in the United States Navy, began his career at sea
at the tender age of 13. By the age of 28, he was given a command
to engage the enemy on Lake Erie. Through the spring and early
summer of 1813, Perry and his men managed to build six vessels.
He named his Flagship, the Lawrence after Captain
James Lawrence, who three months earlier, as he lay dying, had
uttered the famous words, "Don't give up the ship!"
On Setember 10, 1813, Perry's squadron engaged a British squadron
in battle. The Lawrence was nearly demolished in the
early stages of the battle and her crew sustained 80% casualties.
Perry, unwilling to give up, and carrying his now famous battle
flag, transferred to the Niagra which had not drawn much
enemy fire, sailed into the midst of the British squadron, and
forced the surrender of the entire squadron within 15 minutes. |
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