Commodore Perry Flag (1813): History of the "Don't Give Up The Ship" Banner

"Don't Give Up The Ship": The Motto That Carried Commodore Perry to Victory (1813)

The Commodore Perry flag emblazoned these words “Don’t Give Up the Ship” which carried him to victory at the Battle of Lake Erie.

During the War of 1812, Captain James Lawrence of the Chesapeake encouraged his men, as he lay dying, by exhorting “Don’t Give Up the Ship”. Three months later at the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry emblazoned these words on a flag that carried him to victory.

Similar flags and mottoes have inspired Americans throughout our two centuries of existence.

Click here for a Brief History of the Don't Give Up The Ship Flag