# PH221 - 1901 6c Philippines, lake, on US #'s 280b, 282, 272
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Birth Of Admiral George Dewey
In 1854, Dewey entered the Naval Academy where he was also an excellent student. Four years later he graduated fifth in his class. His first naval service was aboard the USS Saratoga, where he earned recognition as a cadet officer. After that, Dewey was transferred to the frigate USS Wabash. Aboard that ship, he traveled to the Mediterranean and was tasked with keeping the shipâs log.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Dewey was serving as an executive lieutenant aboard the USS Mississippi as part of the Unionâs West Gulf Blockading Squadron. In early 1862, Dewey was part of Farragutâs fleet, which was assigned to capture New Orleans. On the night of April 24, Deweyâs ship was the third in the division to sail up the Mississippi River past Confederate defenses. He skillfully steered the ship through shallow water, despite fears that it might run aground. When the Confederate ironclad CSS Manassas tried to ram the Mississippi, Dewey evaded the attack. He then pursued the Manassas, running it aground before his men set it on fire.
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Birth Of Admiral George Dewey
In 1854, Dewey entered the Naval Academy where he was also an excellent student. Four years later he graduated fifth in his class. His first naval service was aboard the USS Saratoga, where he earned recognition as a cadet officer. After that, Dewey was transferred to the frigate USS Wabash. Aboard that ship, he traveled to the Mediterranean and was tasked with keeping the shipâs log.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Dewey was serving as an executive lieutenant aboard the USS Mississippi as part of the Unionâs West Gulf Blockading Squadron. In early 1862, Dewey was part of Farragutâs fleet, which was assigned to capture New Orleans. On the night of April 24, Deweyâs ship was the third in the division to sail up the Mississippi River past Confederate defenses. He skillfully steered the ship through shallow water, despite fears that it might run aground. When the Confederate ironclad CSS Manassas tried to ram the Mississippi, Dewey evaded the attack. He then pursued the Manassas, running it aground before his men set it on fire.
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