Jackalope did a good job of summing up the life of this true American.
So, what's the appeal of Gridley. he was well-liked by all, but not particularly regarded for his gallantry, military acumen, or initiative. He provided years of service to his country, but achieved little distinction. His only real claim to fame was that eh was standing next to the man of the hour when that man's moment finally came.
Even the Battle of Manila Bay was largely a meaningless victory -- the Spanish fleet never really had a chance, and the U.S. lacked the strength to take and hold the Philippines afterwards. In fact, they spent the next three months trying to prevent the Germans from taking them.
Yet, Dewey's famous order has secured Gridley's place in the history books for eternity. In addition to the park in Erie, Pennsylvania, he's also lent his name to four ships in the U.S. Navy, a type of destroyer, and a National Guard training camp in Pennsylvania.
His alma mater, Hillsdale College, added a seashell to their coat of arms to honor his service. For someone who did relatively little, he made the most of what little he actually did. (Or he would have had he lived after the battle.)
But maybe that's part of his mystique. He's a well-regarded heroic figure who died at the peak of his fame. He never had the chance to disappoint the public or to be revealed as a lucky mediocrity like Dewey. He's too big to be built up, but too small to bother tearing down.
In hindsight, he's a man who seems to have been destined to be a footnote in history.
Well, that is one big footnote and I'd sure settle for it myself. A great American in every way.
And to think that just a little over a month ago I had no knowledge of this man other than the quote. I didn't even know that he fought during the Civil War.
From M.B. to M.B.. From the Battle of Mobile Bay to the Battle of Manila Bay. And it would have been even better if I had found that he was at the Battles of Fort Fisher, but at least George Dewey was.
You May Stop This Blog When Ready, Cooter. --DaCoot
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