June 1

USS Chesapeake vs. HMS Shannon — War of 1812

Captain James Lawrence sailed the USS Chesapeake out of Boston to meet HMS Shannon in a single-ship duel. The Shannon captured the Chesapeake in just 15 minutes — one of the quickest single-ship actions of the age of sail. Lawrence, mortally wounded, ordered 'Don't give up the ship!'

Lawrence's dying words became the motto of the U.S. Navy and are emblazoned on the battle flag carried by naval ships to this day.