United States Navy 26 December 1837 – 16 January 1917 George E. Dewey was born in Montpelier, VT on December 26, 1837. His call to serve his country came early; he entered the Norwich Military School at the age of fifteen, and then went on to graduate from the Naval Academy on June 18, 1858. He quickly earned recognition on his first assignment on USS Saratoga. As a result he was placed on USS Wabash, which was one of the best ships in the fleet, where he kept the ship’s log. When the Civil War broke out, Lieutenant (Lt.) Dewey was stationed on USS Mississippi. The attack and capture of New Orleans on April 25, 1862 was the first time he distinguished himself in combat. He continued to do so on the Mississippi as well as USS Agawam and USS Colorado. His tactical ability played a key role in the success of the Battles of Fort Fisher, and he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander (LCdr.) on March 3, 1865. After the Civil War ended LCdr. Dewey remained in active service.
