Oliver Hazard Perry Quote

I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today.


Final instructions to Lieutenant John Joliffe Yarnall, upon leaving the disabled Lawrence in the Battle of Lake Erie (10 September 1813)


I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today.

I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today.

I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today.

I leave it to your discretion to strike or not, but the American colors must not be pulled down over my head today.