This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Howard, Thomas Benton, RADM USN(Ret).
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Born in Illinois, Howard received an at-large appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1873. During his career he served under George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay and successively commanded USS Chesapeake, USS Nevada, USS Olympia, USS Tennessee, and USS Ohio (BB-12). As captain of USS Ohio, he sailed around the world with the Great White Fleet in 1908-1909.
In January 1914, Howard was appointed commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 1915, he became the fifth full admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy when the three commanders in chief of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Asiatic Fleets were each advanced to the temporary rank of full admiral. Upon relinquishing command of the Pacific Fleet in September 1915, Howard reverted to his permanent rank of rear admiral.
Description A failed attempt, as the fleet was assigned to enter Cardenas Bay and destroy the three Spanish gunboats reportedly moored in the harbor.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories The Battle of Manila Bay took place on 1 May 1898, during the Spanish-American War. The American Asiatic Squadron under Commodore George Dewey engaged the Spanish Pacific Squadron under Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón and destroyed the Spanish squadron. The engagement took place in Manila Bay, the Philippines, and was the first major engagement of the Spanish-American War.