Born in Montpelier, Vermont. Attended Norwich University. Graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy in 1858. During the Civil War he took part in the battles of New Orleans, Port Hudson, Louisiana, and the North Atlantic Blockade. Married Susie Goodwin, daughter of New Hampshire Governor Ichabod Goodwin, October 24, 1867. She died in 1872. He was promoted to commodore in 1896. Married Mildred McLean Hazen November 9, 1899.

In January 1898 Dewey took command of the Asiatic Squadron. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt instructed him to proceed to Hong Kong. The United States declared war on Spain April 21, 1898. On April 25 Dewey was ordered to destroy the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. Dewey's fleet entered Manila Harbor May 1. At 5:40 A.M. he gave his famous order to the captain of his flagship, "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley." The fire of his ships was effective and the enemy did little damage. When he withdrew at 7:35 A.M. the Spanish fleet was destroyed. He was promoted to rear admiral May 10, 1898. In 1899 a new rank was created for him, Admiral of the Navy. Dewey died in Washington, D.C.

Dewey was honored with a Welcome Home Celebration in New York City September 28-30, 1899. A number of medalic tributes were presented to Dewey. At the same time hundreds of commemorative medals and badges were issued to the public.

Congress honored Dewey with a medal by resolution June 3, 1898. Bronze copies of the medal were to be issued to all veterans of the Battle of Manila Bay. The designer was Daniel Chester French.

legal ref: Public Resolution 55-42, 30 Stat. 746

bio: DAB; EAB; NCAB 9; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-1