David Glasgow Farragut became a national hero during the Civil War following the Battle of Mobile Bay in which he shouted "Damn the Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!" For his gallantry and success in battle, the Congress of the United States created the rank of Admiral, with four stars as its insignia, to honor him.
Date of birth: July 5, 1801
Date of death: August 14, 1870; Portsmouth, NH