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ML_dewey_bkp.htm
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"Admiral Dewey at the Battle of Manila," contemporary colored print. (Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation)
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Adm. George Dewey
1898 Victory In Manila Bay Heralded New Era for U.S. Naval Power
By Bethanne Kelly Patrick
Military.com Columnist
The mustachio'ed admiral gave his orders quietly but firmly: "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley." With those famous words began the May 1, 1898, Battle of Manila, the "bloodless" conflict that would establish the United States as the world's preeminent naval power.
The Spanish-American War in which this battle took place began during a time of transition for the United States in general and its Navy in particular. After years of using a largely defensive strategy for commerce raiding and a post-Civil-War slide into obsolescence, the U.S. Navy was adjusting to and re-equipping itself with new steel warships. A commander's role, in the face of these changes, was as much that of logistician as tactician.
George Dewey was the right man for this role. A Naval Academy graduate with a long and impeccable record, Dewey was an aggressive leader fully prepared for war. He had been named commander of the Asiatic Squadron in 1897 with assistance from political ally Theodore Roosevelt, then-assistant secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt also helped Dewey obtain the supplies needed for battle, including guns, ammunition, and fuel. This last item was crucial. When the USS Maine blew up in Havana harbor and war was declared between the United States and Spain, British authorities ordered Dewey's flagship, Olympia, out of Hong Kong harbor. Dewey knew the USS Baltimore would arrive at any moment with much-needed coal, so he managed to stall long enough to receive it.
 | | Dewey (second from right) on the bridge of USS Olympia during the battle of Manila Bay, with (from left) apprentice signal boy Samuel Ferguson, Marine orderly John A. McDougall and Chief Yeoman Merrick W. Creagh. (Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation) |
The Asiatic Squadron then moved to Manila Bay to confront Spanish Adm. Patricio Montojo's fleet. Despite early gains indicating an American advantage, Dewey received reports that his fleet was seriously low on ammunition and decided to withdraw while he digested this information. However, he shrewdly did not give Montojo any evidence of a problem and announced the withdrawal as a breakfast pause for the U.S. forces. At that time, some critics saw this as evidence that the Americans were underestimating the threat -- but they were wrong.
So was Dewey's information. In fact, his men were firing so conservatively and accurately that they had more than enough ammunition to stay the course. By 11 a.m., the American fleet had decimated the Spanish, inflicting heavy casualties and crippling several warships. In contrast, only one American was killed in battle and only eight were injured.
On his return to the United States, Dewey was feted as a hero, even briefly considering a run for the presidency. His exploits fueled the growing perception of America as a military force. |
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