Charles Vernon Gridley (24 November 1844 – 5 June 1898) was a captain in the United States Navy during the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War. Early life Gridley descended from Thomas Gridley (1612–1653), who emigrated from England to New England in 1633. He was born to Frank and Ann Eliza (Sholes) Gridley in Logansport, Indiana, on 24 November 1844. His parents moved to Hillsdale, Michigan, when he was three months old. Naval career Early life and career After attending Hillsdale College, Gridley was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1860. He reported for duty with his class in September 1863, joining the sloop-of-war with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. He distinguished himself with David Farragut at the Battle of Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Gridley was promoted to lieutenant in 1867 and lieutenant commander on March 12, 1868. He was stationed from 1871 to 1875 on the only United States Navy ship based on the Great Lakes at the time, the , at Erie, Pennsylvania. While stationed in Erie, he married Harriet, the daughter of Judge John P. Vincent and had three children. Harriet was also a cousin of Civil War hero Brigadier General Strong Vincent. Gridley was promoted to commander in 1882. He also served a tour as instructor at the Naval Academy and another with the Cruiser Training Squadron. Gridley was promoted to captain on March 14, 1897, and ordered to the Asiatic squadron and was assigned on July 28, 1897, to the command of the , Commodore George Dewey's famous flagship in Yokohama, Japan. Battle of Manila Bay During the Battle of Manila Bay on 1 May 1898, Gridley commanded the Olympia from inside the vessel's armored conning tower, an uncomfortably hot station in the Philippine sun. Dewey gave his famous command, "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley". At the conclusion of the battle, Gridley was not in a condition to celebrate, suffering from dysentery and what appears to have been liver cancer. The heat and stress of the conning tower further weakened him. Dewey would have relieved him of command had not Gridley protested. Last days Several weeks later, he was sent home. On May 25, Gridley was to begin his journey home. One crewman recorded the event as follows: He came up out of his cabin dressed in civilian clothes and was met by the rear admiral [[[George