Naval officer, born in Montpelier, Vermont, USA. He served under David Farragut during the Civil War, then followed the standard career of a peacetime naval officer. In 1897 he was assigned command of the Asiatic Squadron, and in May 1898 he directed the action in Manila Bay that totally defeated the Spanish fleet (during which he is said to have commanded his flagship's captain, You may fire when you are ready, Gridley.) He stayed on for over a year to oversee the American takeover of the Philippines, then returned to a tremendous hero's welcome. He was honoured with a special rank, admiral of the navy, and urged to run for US president, but he settled for presidency of the General Board of the Navy Department, serving as an adviser on naval affairs up to his death.
| George Dewey | |
|---|---|
| December 26, 1837 - January 16, 1917 | |
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| Place of birth | Montpelier, Vermont |
| Place of death | Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance | USN |
| Years of service | 1858-1917 |
| Rank | Admiral of the Navy |
| Battles/wars |
American Civil War Spanish-American War * Battle of Manila Bay |
George Dewey (December 26, 1837 – January 16, 1917) was an admiral of the United States Navy, best known for his victory (without the loss of a single life of his own forces) at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
Biography
Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, attended Norwich University for two years (1852-1854), and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1858.
Dewey remained in the Navy after the war and in 1896 was made a Commodore.
News of the victory in the Battle of Manila Bay made Dewey a great hero in the United States, and Dewey was promoted to Rear Admiral.
Dewey aided General Wesley Merritt in taking formal possession of Manila on August 18, 1898. Dewey and Aguinaldo at first enjoyed a cordial relationship, and Dewey wrote that the Filipinos were "intelligent" and well "capable of self-government";
Dewey returned to America to a hero's welcome, and by act of Congress was made Admiral of the Navy in 1899.
After Dewey's return from the Spanish-American War, many suggested he run for President of the United States on the Democratic ticket.
Dewey officially remained an active officer of the Navy until his death, as a special honor after he passed retirement age.
Dates of Rank
Midshipman: September 23, 1854 Lieutenant: April 19, 1861 Lieutenant Commander: March 3, 1865 Commander: April 13, 1872 Captain: September 27, 1884 Commodore: February 28, 1896 Rear Admiral: May 11, 1898 Admiral of the Navy: March 2, 1899Honors
In 1898, the Borough of Hellertown, Pennsylvania formed its fire department naming it Dewey Fire Company No.
Thomasville, Georgia, contains the Dewey City "subdivision," an area settled in the late 1880's by former slaves.
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