As you already know Admiral George Dewey is the only person to be promoted the rank of Admiral of the Navy. He spoke another one of the most remembered lines in US Navy history, “You may fire when ready Gridley.”

He was born December 26, 1837. He was known as a wild young boy and spent a good deal of time in trouble due to fighting in school. He entered the Naval Academy in 1854. It was said he would tolerate southern students calling him Yankee, however when the term doughface, he promptly punched the fellow in the face. Doughface was a term used at the time by Southern people when talking about Northerners who may hold sympathy with Southerners.

After graduating in 1858 he went on cruises to the Mediterranean. He returned to the Academy in 1860 to take exams required for advancement. He did so well on the exams he not only advanced, but his class standing rose from 5th to 3rd. It should also be know that only 14 in his class lasted until graduation.

During the Civil War he served on the USS Mississippi, USS Agawam, and USS Colorado. During this time he served in the fleet commanded by none other than Admiral Farragut, more on him another time. He took part in the following battles during the Civil War, Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Battle of New Orleans, Battle of Port Hudson, First Battle of Fort Fisher and Second Battle of Fort Fisher.

After the war he was assigned to the European Squadron executive officer of the Kearsarge. After a year he was assigned to the Naval Yard in Portsmouth New Hampshire. He married Susie Goodwin in 1867, she passed away after giving birth to their son. Afterward Dewey served on a variety of posts including Lighthouse Board, command of the USS Dolphin, and finally leader of the Asiatic Squadron.

His final command is where he gained his most fame. His squadron was readied for war far in advance of hostilities. After preparations which lasted several months and actually involved disobeying orders from the Navy command he sailed with orders to attack the Spanish Fleet in Manila Bay.

At first light on May 1 1898 he spoke his now famous words, “You may fire when ready Gridley.” Within 6 hours the entire Spanish fleet was either sunk or captured and the shore batteries were silenced. It only took 6 hours to make the US a global empire and Dewey a National hero for life.

Dewey was promoted to Admiral of the Navy in 1903. Congress also allowed a special medal to be stuck in his honor, The Dewey Medal. He even ran for President in 1900, but dropped from the race to endorsed William McKinley.

He remained on active duty until his death on January 16, 1917. DDG-105 is named in his honor.

Pictures from Naval Historic Center and National Archives.