George Dewey – 1837-1917

Dewey began the Battle of Manila Bay, Philippines, before 6:00 a.m. on May 1, 1898, with the words (directed to the captain of his flagship): “You may fire when ready, Gridley.” Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet without losing a single man. In March 1899, Congress created a new rank expressly for him— admiral of the navy, the highest rank ever held by a U.S. naval officer.