Oliver Hazard Perry was a distinguished American naval commander, born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. He is best remembered for his heroic role in the War of 1812, where he led American forces in a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. His battle report, 'We have met the enemy and they are ours,' became one of the most famous sentences in American military history. Often known as the 'Hero of Lake Erie,' Perry's leadership and tactical skill secured American control of the lake and earned him a Congressional Gold Medal.