D.D. Porter

Biography

David Dixon Porter (1813-1891) was one of the most distinguished naval officers of the American Civil War and the post-war era. Born into a naval family, Porter rose through the ranks to become a Vice Admiral and served as Superintendent of the Naval Academy. He was known for his innovative tactics during the Civil War, particularly in riverine operations along the Mississippi and other inland waterways, where he commanded ironclad gunboats and coordinated with Army forces.