Existing comment:
George Dewey (1837-1917)::
Dewey was born on December 26, 1837, in Montpelier, Vermont, and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1857. Commissioned lieutenant in 1861, he served with Admiral Farragut on the Mississippi River. For thirty years, led a routine career, undistinguished by significant or modern commands. In 1897, however, he was named commander of the Asiatic Squadron, in large part due to the influence of Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt. Informed of the declaration of war, Dewey prepared for battle. On May 1, 1898, Dewey found and destroyed the Spanish squadron in Manila Bay. News of the victory made Dewey a national hero. |