Oliver Hazard Perry was an American naval commander during the War of 1812. He is best known for his leadership in the Battle of Lake Erie, where he secured a crucial victory against the British fleet. This triumph helped to ensure American control of the Great Lakes and boosted morale for the United States during the war. Perry was born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He came from a naval family and began his career at a young age. His legacy is honored in various ways, including the motto "We have met the enemy and they are ours," which he famously reported after the battle.