John Woodward Philip
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John Woodward Philip (26 August 1840 – 30 June 1900) was an officer in the United States Navy during the Civil War and Spanish-American War.
Born in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, Philip was appointed Midshipman 20 September 1856 and graduated from the Naval Academy 1 June 1861.
During the Civil War, he served in Santee, Marion and Sonoma until September 1862 when he was ordered to Chippewa, attached to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. While serving in Chippewa, he was wounded during operations against Charleston, South Carolina, July 1863. He commanded Texas from 18 October 1897 to 29 August 1898.
During the Spanish-American War, his ship, with Marblehead, led the attack and silenced the fort on Cayo del Toro, Guantanamo Bay, 15 June 1898. On 3 July 1898, in command of Texas, he participated in the Battle of Santiago Bay, in which Cerevera’s Spanish Fleet was destroyed off Santiago de Cuba. He was advanced five numbers in grade 10 August 1898 for eminent and conspicuous service in battle. From 3 September 1898 until 28 December 1898, he served as Commander 2nd Squadron, North Atlantic Fleet, flying his broad pennant in New York.
Commencing 14 January 1899, he was in command of the Navy Yard and Naval Station, New York and was promoted to Rear Admiral 3 March 1899. While serving in this duty, Admiral Philip died suddenly 30 June 1900.
Two destroyers have been named USS Philip in his honor.
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.