Behind the Legend: Don’t Give Up the Ship

If you’ve ever visited the U.S. Naval Academy, you’ve probably seen - or at least heard about - the famous blue (or brown) flag emblazoned with a powerful command: DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP. It hangs proudly in Bancroft Hall’s sacred Memorial Hall, instantly recognizable to midshipmen, alumni, and visitors alike. This bold entreaty is not just a USNA slogan, it’s a promise, a mindset, and a rallying cry that has guided the Navy for more than two centuries.

But where did these words come from? And why do they still matter today? To understand the origin of this legendary banner and the passion it inspires, we have to go back to the early days of the Republic, when a young nation was fighting to defend its honor at sea.

The USS Chesapeake Incident: The Moment That Sparked a Legacy

Our story begins on June 1, 1813, during the War of 1812, a conflict filled with fierce naval engagements. The USS Chesapeake, commanded at the time by U.S. Navy Captain James Lawrence, found itself facing the top-trained and best-equipped British frigate HMS Shannon 20 miles off the coast of Boston. Though his Chesapeake crew had not been together long, Lawrence accepted the challenge to fight this formidable foe, setting the stage for one of the Navy’s most famous moments.

The fight was brutal and fast - just eleven minutes. As the bloodiest single-ship battle of that war, it killed or injured 228 men. Amidst heavy fire, Lawrence was mortally wounded. As he was carried below deck, he shouted words that would echo through history: “Don’t give up the ship!”

Famous Last Words

Issued on the deck of USS Chesapeake, this final command became a defining moment for the young U.S. Navy. Although the ship was ultimately captured, Lawrence’s words became a symbol of resilience, courage, and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming odds.

Related: Don’t Give Up the Ship!

Commander Oliver Perry: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph

Lawrence’s close friend, Commander Oliver Hazard Perry, was deeply moved by his last command. Determined to honor Lawrence’s legacy, Perry had a special battle flag made - large, bold, and impossible to ignore. With help from Margaret Forster Steuart, the sister of a prominent local official in Erie, Pennsylvania, he had the phrase DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP stitched in white onto a brown field. She left off the apostrophe.

Perry flew the flag from his flagship, USS Lawrence, during the Battle of Lake Erie later that same year in September. Before the battle began, he gathered his men and pointed to the banner, telling them they would fight under Lawrence’s dying words. Inspired, his force achieved a remarkable victory over the Royal Navy, cutting off enemy forces from their western supply bases and garnering one of the most famous wins in American naval history.

It was here, through Oliver Perry’s resolve and the dramatic win that followed, that the phrase cemented itself into Navy lore. Perry’s actions ensured the words would live far beyond USS Chesapeake, becoming a cultural touchstone and a rallying cry throughout the fleet.

A USNA Slogan with Staying Power

Today, Commander Oliver Perry’s flag is one of the Naval Academy’s most treasured artifacts. The original is preserved with care in Preble Hall, the USNA Museum, though there is a striking reproduction in Memorial Hall, where midshipmen pass daily. It is blue, since the original was covered in blue for a long time and recent conservation efforts found it to be brown underneath.

Every mids’ Plebe Summer experience, every milestone in their four-year journey, and every reflection on the Academy’s values is steeped in the spirit of this motto. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about success, it’s about character, courage, and the refusal to quit, even in moments of danger and uncertainty.

See the Flag - And the Story - Up Close

If you want to experience this history in person, the Yard is the place to be. Visitors can see the iconic flag for themselves and step directly into the story behind it. And now is the perfect time to visit: Preble Hall, home to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum, has introduced a new exhibit that celebrates the Navy’s 250th Anniversary by delving into its storied past. Come see the flag and explore “Navy Tech: Inventions and Innovations,” featuring fascinating artifacts from 250 years of Navy and Marine Corps advancements.

Carry the Message Forward

“Don’t Give Up the Ship” continues to inspire midshipmen, sailors, marines, and visitors who step onto the Yard. The story behind the flag reminds us determination can turn tragedy into triumph.

So take a trip to the Naval Academy. Your visit helps fund the extracurricular activities that fuel tomorrow’s excellent naval officers. Your USNA tours, meals, and purchases directly support the Brigade. While you’re here, explore the incredible new Preble Hall exhibit and stand in the presence of the very flag that has become a symbol of Navy pride. Don’t Give Up the Ship!

On The Yard