Medal Commemorating Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) and the Battle of Lake Erie (obverse)

1813

Medal Commemorating Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819) and the Battle of Lake Erie (obverse), 1813. Moritz Fürst (Hungarian, 1782–1882). Bronze; diameter: 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1868.a This medal commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie on 10 September 1813 is one of a series of 27 medals commemorating American successes during the War of 1812, struck by special resolution of Congress. These medals were awarded to naval commanders in gold and to their officers in silver. The bronze examples are restrikes. The United States naval forces, led by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819), won a decisive battle over the British.