Is it true that Commodore Matthew Perry is widely credited with prescribing the first enlisted uniform?

The assertion that Commodore Matthew Perry is widely credited with prescribing the first enlisted uniform is indeed false. While Perry is a significant figure in naval history, particularly for his role in opening Japan to the West, he did not establish the first enlisted uniform. The U.S. Navy's regulations regarding enlisted uniforms evolved over time, with various changes and adaptations made long before Perry's time.

The concept of standardized military uniforms has been present for centuries across different armed forces, with earlier influences stemming from British naval traditions well before Perry's era. Thus, the idea that he is solely responsible for such an establishment is not accurate. Understanding this context clarifies why the correct answer is that the statement is false.