Dimensions / Weight

Dimensions: 23" H x 26" W x 0.12" D

Physical Description

Blue, white and red banner with an image of Admiral Dewey in center of white stripe surrounded by laurels. “Admiral Dewey” in banner among the laurels, American flag and a Navy Fleet Admiral’s flag. “The Hero” in top blue stripe. “Of Manila” in bottom red stripe.

General History

Admiral George Dewey was in command of the U.S. Navy’s Asiatic Squadron based in Hong Kong in 1898 when the U.S. declared war on Spain. Commanded to sail to Manila and capture or destroy the Spanish fleet based there, he engaged the fleet in Manila Bay on the morning of May 1 and completely destroyed it by noon, without a single loss of American life. The Battle of Manila Bay was one of two major American naval victories in the Spanish-American War. It was a complete and final victory, ending any threat from the Spanish naval forces involved. All major Spanish ships were destroyed or captured, without any significant damage occurring to the American Forces. The battle is perhaps best known as the occasion Dewey uttered one of the most famous statements in American naval history, “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley.” Captain Charles Gridley was the commander of the USFS Olympia.