John Woodward Philip


John Woodward Philip was an officer in the United States Navy during the Civil War and Spanish–American War.

Biography

Born in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, Philip was appointed midshipman on 20 September 1856 and graduated from the Naval Academy on 1 June 1861.

Civil War

During the Civil War, he served on the, and until September 1862 when he was ordered to
, attached to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. While serving in Chippewa, he was wounded during operations against Charleston, South Carolina, in July 1863.

Post-Civil War (1865-1898)

Philip served as executive officer of the steam sloop under Commander Robert Townsend and assumed command upon Townsend's death from heat stroke in China on 15 August 1866.
In 1877 he was named as the commander of the Woodruff Scientific Expedition around the world organised by developer James O. Woodruff. However this expedition did not go ahead due to difficulties obtaining a suitable ship and Philip then took command of the to survey the West coast of Mexico. Later he commanded the battleship from 18 October 1897 to 29 August 1898.

Spanish–American War

During the Spanish–American War, his ship, with the cruiser, led the attack and silenced the fort on Cayo del Toro, Guantanamo Bay, on 15 June 1898. On 3 July 1898, in command of Texas, he participated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, in which Pascual Cervera y Topete's Spanish Fleet was destroyed off Santiago de Cuba. During the battle, upon watching the burning of the, he famously told his men "Don't cheer, boys. The poor devils are dying." He was advanced five numbers in grade on 10 August 1898 for eminent and conspicuous service in battle. From 3 September 1898 until 28 December 1898, he served as Commander of the 2nd Squadron, North Atlantic Fleet, flying his broad pennant in the armored cruiser.

Later career and death

Commencing 14 January 1899, he was in command of the New York Navy Yard and Naval Station, and was promoted to rear admiral on 3 March 1899. While serving in this duty, Admiral Philip died suddenly on 30 June 1900.

Namesake

Two destroyers have been named in his honor.