June 14 is Flag Day, which commemorates the official codification of the flag of the United States of America. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed, “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” During the American Revolution, however, this design saw several iterations, and designs, including one by the father of the American Navy, John Paul Jones.

A Scottish-born sailor who had been to sea since he was 13, Jones was a Navy man through and through. In a daring move, Captain Jones had sailed across the Atlantic, and together with elements of the French and Spanish navies, had conducted raids in the United Kingdom meant to disrupt trade and harass British forces, keeping them in Britain rather than the colonies. 

During one such engagement, Captain Jones aboard his ship, the French-made “Bonhomme Richard,” was engaged by two British ships, including the HMS “Serapis.” Outgunned, Jones knew he had to think strategically, and catching the right wind, he locked the “Richard” and “Serapis” together. Both ships were taking immense damage, but, Jones’ Marine sharpshooters were turning the tide for the continentals. 

It was during this engagement that the continental ensign from Jones’ ship had apparently been shot away, and the British commander, thinking the flag had been struck, or taken down, asked if Jones intended it as a sign of surrender. According to nearby crew members, Jones responded, “I may sink, but I’ll be damned if I strike.” After hours of protracted battle, the British captain surrendered, and Jones and his crew took control of the “Serapis.”

Fully aware of the naval laws of the day, Jones knew that he needed a country’s ensign to fly from the mast, or he would risk being called a pirate, as the British had dubbed him. He quickly sailed to nearby and neutral Holland, and had a new flag created, using instructions from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, which they had written in their capacity as ambassadors:

“It is with pleasure that we acquaint your excellency that the flag of the United States of America consists of thirteen stripes, alternately red, white, and blue; a small square in the upper angle, next the flagstaff, is a blue field, with thirteen white stars, denoting a new constellation.”

What was then created is perhaps one of the most unique of the Stars and Stripes designs of the American Revolution, dubbed the “Serapis Flag,” after the ship upon which it was flown. The flag, while it bears a blue field with white stars, also has blue stripes, included with the red and white, as well as unique designs for each of the stars in the field. Its use during the Revolution was short-lived but is still authorized for use by the 111th Infantry Regiment.

This Flag Day, it may be interesting to remember the amazing story behind this lesser known flag, and the American captain who inspired it, persevering through an unwinnable battle, taking the day, and helping to carry the American Navy to victory.