George Dewey

Dewey, George (1837–1917), U.S. naval hero promoted to admiral of the navy (the highest rank) for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay and the capture of the Philippines from Spain. On May 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Dewey led the Asiatic squadron into Manila Bay and, without losing a man, destroyed the Spanish eastern fleet. In Aug., aided by Filipino rebels and U.S. army forces, he received the surrender of Manila; the Philippines then fell to the United States. Dewey later served as president of the general board of the Navy Department.

See also: Spanish-American War.