Medal commemorating Commodore Oliver Perry (1785-1819) and the battle of Lake Erie, 1813. Obverse: Bust of Commodore Perry in uniform (right). Legend: 'OLIVERUS H PERRY. PRINCEPS STAGNO ERIENSE. CLASSIM TOTAM CONTUDIT.' (Oliver H. Perry in command destroyed an entire fleet on Lake Erie.) Reverse: General view of the action. Legend: 'VIAM INVENIT VIRTUS AUT FACIT.' (Valour finds or makes a way.) Exergue: 'INTER CLASS. AMERI. ET BRIT. DIE X. SEP. MDCCCXIII.' (Between the American and British fleets, 10 Sept 1813.) Signed 'FURST.F'. in exergue and tbelow the truncation of the bust.
One of a series of 27 medals commemorating American successes during the War of 1812, struck by special resolution of Congress. They were awarded to naval commanders in gold and to their officers in silver. The bronze examples are restrikes.